Taiwan President Lai warns against becoming “China’s Taiwan”

President Lai Ching‑te told members of the Democratic Progressive Party that Taiwan must protect its democracy and never become “China’s Taiwan”. He condemned Beijing’s “red terror”, warned that China’s new ethnic‑unity law could give it legal reach beyond its borders, and stressed that the island’s future must be decided by its 23 million people. Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s status as an independent country, the Republic of China, and urged party members to unite in defending democratic freedoms.

Analysts note that Taiwan has built its foreign‑policy strategy around a close partnership with the United States, highlighting shared democratic values. Recent surveys show younger Americans view China less as a threat than older generations, suggesting a shift that could affect Taiwan’s calculations. Lai’s speech underscores ongoing concerns over Chinese pressure and the need for Taiwan to safeguard its democratic system.