On October 10th, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-wen delivered a National Day speech, emphasizing the importance of upholding national sovereignty and rejecting any encroachment or annexation attempts. While President Tsai reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining peaceful cross-strait relations, the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive actions were condemned. Many mainland Chinese citizens expressed support for the freedom, democracy, and human rights in Taiwan, contrasting them with the oppressive regime in the People’s Republic of China.
President Tsai Ing-wen’s National Day address centered on the theme of “Uniting Taiwan to Realize Dreams.” She emphasized her duty as the president to safeguard the country’s development, unite Taiwan’s population of 23 million people, and protect national sovereignty from any infringements or takeover attempts. In the face of threats from the Chinese Communist Party, President Tsai maintained a firm yet cautious stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and advocating for equal and respectful cross-strait dialogue.
Furthermore, Tsai Ing-wen expressed hopes for China to fulfill its international responsibilities by contributing to global peace and stability, urging cooperation in addressing climate change, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security. She highlighted that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, emphasizing that the Chinese Communist Party has no authority to represent Taiwan. Despite these differences, Taiwan remains committed to promoting peace, prosperity, and well-being for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
In response to President Tsai’s speech, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson utilized derogatory language, attempting to discredit Tsai Ing-wen’s stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. State-run media criticized Tsai for what they labeled as political deception and manipulation, reflecting Beijing’s hostile reaction to Taiwan’s assertions of its national identity and democratic values.
During interviews conducted by The Epoch Times, mainland Chinese individuals openly expressed their support for the Republic of China and President Tsai Ing-wen, diverging from the official narrative promoted by the Chinese government. Many mainland citizens argued that the Republic of China, with its democratic foundation and adherence to rule of law, represents the legitimate government of China, contrasting it with the authoritarian rule of the People’s Republic of China.
The viewpoints shared by these individuals illustrated a growing sentiment among mainland Chinese citizens who view Taiwan as a beacon of freedom and democracy in contrast to the repressive measures imposed by the Chinese Communist Party. This divide in perspectives showcases the complexities of cross-strait relations and the diversity of opinions within Chinese society regarding Taiwan’s political status and identity.
As tensions between Taiwan and China continue to escalate, with President Tsai Ing-wen reiterating Taiwan’s independent status and commitment to democratic values, the prospect of peaceful resolution remains uncertain. However, the unwavering support for Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic principles from both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese individuals underscores the dynamic nature of the Taiwan-China relationship and the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect on the global stage.