Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Declares Island 'Of Course' a Country in 10-Speech Series, Sparking Chinese Accusations of Separatism and Cross-Strait Tensions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has launched a series of 10 speeches across the island aimed at uniting Taiwan's 23 million residents against perceived threats from China. In his initial speeches, Lai emphatically stated that Taiwan is "of course" a country, asserting that China lacks historical evidence and legal proof to support its sovereignty claims over the island. Lai emphasized Taiwan's independent status regardless of the name used to describe it, including the Republic of China or Taiwan. His remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from Chinese authorities, who labeled the speeches as a "blatant separatist declaration," "heresy," and a provocation that distorts history and international law.

Chinese officials, including spokespeople from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, accused Lai of promoting "Taiwan independence," inciting cross-Strait confrontation, and undermining peace and stability in the region. Mainland Chinese media editorials described Lai's speeches as politically motivated acts that deepen social divisions in Taiwan and threaten regional security. Critics within Taiwan and abroad have expressed concern that Lai's rhetoric risks exacerbating internal political divisions and provoking Beijing, potentially destabilizing the fragile status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Despite these criticisms, Lai continues his speaking tour, framing his campaign as a defense against China's growing pressure and a call for unity among Taiwan's populace.