'Absolutely Impossible' For China To Become Taiwan's 'Motherland,' Says President Lai Ching Te Amid Rising Pressure From Team Xi Jinping

In a bold statement ahead of Taiwan’s national day, Lai Ching-te has firmly asserted that it is “absolutely impossible” for Communist China to claim Taiwan as its motherland. This declaration emphasizes Taiwan’s historical government, which predates the People’s Republic of China. The comments have sparked criticism from Taiwan’s opposition party, the Kuomintang, accusing Lai of inciting political confrontation.

What Happened: During a speech at a concert in Taipei, Lai highlighted the historical roots of Taiwan’s government, the Republic of China (ROC), which was founded in 1912 and ruled mainland China before relocating to Taiwan after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong‘s forces. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established in 1949, and since then, both sides have been governed separately.

“In terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People's Republic of China to become the motherland of the people of the Republic of China. On the contrary, the Republic of China may actually be the motherland of citizens of the People's Republic of China who are over 75 years old,” Lai said, as reported by CNN on Monday.

Lai’s remarks have long angered the Xi Jinping-led administration, which has vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan, even by force if necessary. Many Taiwanese, however, identify as distinct from China and oppose such reunification.

See Also: Chinese Hackers Breach AT&T, Verizon Networks In Major Wiretap Data Theft Putting US National Security At Risk: Report

Why It Matters: The ongoing tension between Taiwan and China has significant geopolitical implications. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, aiming to strengthen its military capabilities amid rising concerns over China’s intentions. This move follows Taiwan’s complaints about delayed U.S. arms deliveries, highlighting the island’s strategic importance to the U.S.

Moreover, China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, recently issued a stern warning to the U.S., emphasizing that Taiwan is a critical “red line” in U.S.-China relations. This underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential for conflict in the region.

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Photo by Andreanicolini on Shutterstock

This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari