Taiwan’s President: “Impossible” for communist China to be our motherland

CNN writes about it. 

In a concert ahead of Taiwan’s national day, Lai pointed out the key historical difference: “Recently, our neighbor, the People’s Republic of China, just celebrated its 75th birthday on October 1. In a few days, the Republic of China will celebrate its 113th birthday,” he said, drawing applause. 

“Therefore, in terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People’s Republic of China to become the motherland of the people of the Republic of China. On the contrary, the Republic of China may actually be the motherland of citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are over 75 years old,” he said.

Lai’s remarks come amid heightened tensions with Beijing, which has vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan, by force if necessary. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, recently reiterated that Taiwan is “China’s sacred territory,” while Taiwan remains a self-governing democracy.

Lai’s speech also drew criticism from Taiwan’s opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), with politician Ling Tao accusing him of inciting political confrontation.

The Chinese government has yet to respond to Lai’s statements, but tensions remain high as Taiwan prepares for its national day.