On June 24, 2025, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Lai Ching-te, launched the “Ten Lectures on National Unity” speech series. The second event was held in Taoyuan City today, focusing on the theme of “unity”. President Lai emphasized the importance of unity between supporters of Taiwan independence and those who identify with the Republic of China, in order to defend democratic Taiwan and resist the aggression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In the previous event on the evening of the 22nd in New Taipei City, President Lai spoke at the “3490 District of Rotary International’s Ninth Sub-Division Joint Meeting” on the topic of “country”. Lai mentioned that the four elements constituting a nation are the people, the land, the government, and sovereignty. He asserted that the sovereignty of Taiwan belongs to its 23 million people, and our sovereignty and governance extend to Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.
President Lai criticized the CCP for distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by claiming sovereignty over Taiwan, stating that such claims are not recognized or supported by the international community.
In the evening of the 24th, President Lai attended the “Hakka Youth Association of Taoyuan City’s Forum on Staying True to Beliefs in Times of Change – Democratic, Just, and the Future of Taiwan’s Hakka” and delivered the second lecture of the “Ten Lectures on National Unity” series on the theme of “unity”. He stressed that now is the time when Taiwan most needs unity to resist external threats. He highlighted the achievements Taiwan has made over the past few decades through unity and emphasized the importance of unity in achieving success.
President Lai mentioned the power of unity in protecting Taiwan. Stories of bravery and unity during historic battles, like the Battle of Guningtou and the 823 Artillery Bombardment, showcased how unity among the military and civilians, regardless of ethnicity, was crucial in defending Taiwan and its outlying islands, demonstrating the commitment to preserving the Republic of China.
He pointed out that Taiwan’s democracy did not come overnight. The process of democratization, from the martial law era to present, with milestones such as the first full parliamentary election in 1992, the first direct presidential election in 1996, and the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in 2000, exemplified the unity and cooperation of the Taiwanese people in exercising their sovereignty and democratic rights.
The successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated the strength of unity. Taiwan’s effective pandemic response, recognized internationally, showcased the resilience of the Taiwanese society. The collaboration between healthcare workers, government, and the public resulted in successful containment. Taiwan’s economy saw growth despite the pandemic, and the country shared its democratic epidemic prevention supplies and experiences with the world, showcasing Taiwan as a force for good.
President Lai highlighted the progress of the nation as a result of collective unity, listing various global rankings where Taiwan excels, such as being the 21st largest economy in the world, ranking 12th globally and 1st in Asia in terms of democracy index, 6th globally in competitiveness index, and receiving high scores in freedom indexes.
Moreover, he mentioned Taiwan’s achievements in industries like IC design and testing, semiconductor manufacturing, laptops manufacturing, AI servers, high-end bicycles, fasteners export, and hand tool exports. These accomplishments in various sectors demonstrated the collective efforts of Taiwanese industries and the country’s capabilities.
Former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, in her 2021 National Day address, emphasized the “Four Insistences”, including upholding the constitutional system of freedom and democracy, the non-subordination of the Republic of China to the People’s Republic of China, the defense of sovereignty against annexation, and the determination of Taiwan’s future based on the will of all Taiwanese people. President Lai stated that around 80% of the population supported these cross-strait policy principles and endorsed the “Four Insistences” as the consensus of the Taiwanese people.
President Lai stressed that this 80% consensus was crucial in safeguarding the nation, upholding democracy, maintaining social stability, and promoting national progress. He emphasized the importance of refining this democratic consensus through elections, recalls, and the collective will of the people to defend sovereignty and democracy. President Lai called for solidarity among the Taiwanese people in the face of external threats and in supporting the constitutional system of freedom and democracy.
President Lai believed that democracy thrives on finding unity amidst diversity and called for unity among political parties to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty and preserve its democratic constitutional system. He cited the 419 “Reject United Fronts, Protect Taiwan” mass gathering as an example of the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan against the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression and agitation, advocating for unity to resist coercion and threats.
Regarding the current external threats to Taiwan, President Lai mentioned the daily reports from the Ministry of National Defense on the increasing provocations by the People’s Liberation Army in the air and sea surrounding Taiwan. He highlighted five major security threats from the PRC, including threats to national sovereignty, infiltration into Taiwan’s armed forces and espionage activities, attempts to influence national identity, social infiltration through cross-strait exchanges, and economic enticements to Taiwanese businesses and youth.
President Lai stated that the PRC uses various tactics to threaten Taiwan’s sovereignty and stability and pointed out that leaders of the G7 have publicly expressed opposition to changes in the status quo through military force or coercion, affirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for international security and prosperity.
In order to protect Taiwan, uphold democracy, secure the people, and safeguard the achievements in economic development, President Lai convened a high-level national security meeting, identifying the PRC as a hostile external force and proposing 17 response strategies, calling for unity among the people to defend the nation.
In conclusion, President Lai expressed his hope that the unity of the Taiwanese people would become the nation’s strongest defense line and that Taiwan’s beacon of democracy would shine on the world. He reiterated the importance of unity for Taiwan to protect its sovereignty and encouraged everyone to start taking action from this moment onward.
President Lai’s themes for the “Ten Lectures on National Unity” series include “country”, “unity”, “constitutional system”, “diplomacy”, “national defense”, “cross-strait relations”, “democracy”, “peace”, “prosperity”, and “balance for Taiwan”.