Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Sunday issued his strongest rejection yet of China’s sovereignty claims over the island, declaring that Taiwan is “of course” a country and that Beijing lacks both legal and historical standing to assert ownership.

Speaking at a Rotary International event in Taipei, Lai launched the first in a series of ten addresses themed around “uniting the country,” drawing on history, culture, and international norms to bolster Taiwan’s stance as a sovereign democratic state.

“Of course Taiwan is a country,” Lai said to a round of applause. “But China says no, that Taiwan is not a sovereign country.” The president underscored the point by referencing Taiwan’s vibrant democratic institutions, including its presidential elections and multiparty system.

China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, has long asserted that the island is “sacred Chinese territory.” Beijing claims that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, despite the fact that the Chinese Communist Party has never governed the island. In response, Lai argued that China has neither the historical evidence nor the legal proof to support its claims.

“The threat is real,” Lai warned. “Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its 23 million people — does everyone approve of this?” he asked, eliciting a wave of approval from the audience.

In his speech, Lai also invoked the deep historical roots of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, noting their Austronesian ties to Pacific cultures such as native Hawaiians. The reference was a pointed contrast to China’s narrative, which places Taiwan firmly within the Chinese cultural and political sphere.

The Taiwan president’s remarks come as regional tensions rise, with the United States and other allies increasing military and economic cooperation with Taipei. China has condemned these actions as interference in its internal affairs.

Source: Reuters