On the morning of May 20, 2024, Lai Ching-te took office as president of the Republic of China (ROC, i.e., Taiwan), and he, the First Lady, and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended inaugural celebrations in the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building. President Lai delivered his inaugural address titled "Building a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous new Taiwan."
In his inaugural address, President Lai stressed that China's "military actions and gray-zone coercion" are considered "the greatest strategic challenges to global peace and stability." He then added: "I also want to call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan... So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand, that even if we accept the entirety of China's position and give up our sovereignty, China's ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear."
President Lai warned: "In face of the many threats and attempts of infiltration from China, we must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation, and we must also raise our defense awareness and strengthen our legal framework for national security."
Commenting on his inaugural speech, CCP mouthpiece media outlet Global Times wrote: "Lai shamelessly stated in his speech that 'the Republic of China Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation' and 'the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other,' spewing various 'Taiwan independence' fallacies and hostile provocations against the Chinese mainland, once again exposing his stubborn nature as 'a worker for Taiwan independence.' This speech can be described as a blatant 'Taiwan independence manifesto' and 'a declaration of harm to Taiwan.' It is extremely dangerous, and the Taiwan compatriots should be particularly vigilant and united in opposition... 'Lai-style Taiwan independence' will only exacerbate the confrontation and instability across the Straits, inevitably leading to self-overestimation and self-destruction."[1]
President Lai Ching-te delivers his inaugural speech (Source: Office of the President Republic of China, Taiwan)
Lai Ching-te was sworn in as president, in front of a portrait of Sun Yat-sen, known as the Father of Modern China and the founding father of the Republic of China (ROC). (Source: Office of the President Republic of China, Taiwan)
The following are excerpts of President Lai's remarks:[2]
"When I Went Into Politics, I Was Determined To Transform Taiwan"
"When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I went into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan.
"Now, standing here, I am determined to strengthen the nation. With an unwavering heart, I accept the responsibility the people have entrusted to me as the 16th-term president of the Republic of China. In accordance with the Republic of China Constitution system, I will take on that solemn responsibility of leading the nation bravely forward.
"On this day in 1949, martial law went into effect in Taiwan, and Taiwan plunged into a dark era of authoritarian rule.
"On this day in 1996, Taiwan's first democratically elected president took the oath of office, conveying to the international community that the Republic of China Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.
"On this day in 2024, having completed our third transition of political power, Taiwan officially commences, for the first time, the third consecutive term of the same political party in office. We also set sail into a new era that is full of challenges, yet also brimming with limitless hope.
"This journey came about as a result of the valiant sacrifices and devotion of the many generations of people of this land. Although it was an arduous one, we made it through.
"Now, we not only witness the beginning of a new administration, but also usher in another hard-earned victory for democracy.
"Many people have interpreted my and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao's election victory as 'breaking the eight-year curse,' referring to the fact that no political party has been able to remain in office for over two terms. But the reality is that in a democracy, the people have the final say. There is no such thing as a 'curse' in any election. It is simply that the people put the ruling party under the toughest of tests, choosing the nation's future in the most genuine way..."
"Taiwan Is A Frontline Guardian Of World Peace"
"Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. Next year, we will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As with other nations, Taiwan walked a difficult path for post-war revitalization, before getting to where we are today. No one wants these achievements to be destroyed by war.
"Today, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas continue to shake the whole world. And China's military actions and gray-zone coercion are considered the greatest strategic challenges to global peace and stability.
Taiwan is strategically positioned in the first island chain, and what affects us here affects global geopolitical development. Even as early as 1921, Chiang Wei-shui said that Taiwan is a frontline guardian of world peace. Now, in 2024, Taiwan's role is even more significant.
"There is already a strong international consensus, that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity.
"To adapt to today's complicated international landscape, countries around the world have been actively cooperating to maintain regional peace and stability.
"Just last month, the United States made into law the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. This will provide the Indo-Pacific region with additional security and assistance, thereby supporting the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
"We thank nations around the world for their consideration and support for Taiwan. We would also like to declare to all that democracy and freedom are Taiwan's unwavering commitments. Peace is the only option. And prosperity, gained through lasting peace and stability, is our objective.
"The future of cross-strait relations will have a decisive impact on the world. This means that we, who have inherited a democratic Taiwan, are pilots for peace. Our government will uphold the Four Commitments, neither yield nor provoke, and maintain the status quo.
"I also want to call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share with Taiwan the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the greater region, and ensure the world is free from the fear of war.
"Taiwanese are a peace-loving people who treat others with kindness. I have always believed that if the leader of a country puts the people's welfare above all, then peace in the Taiwan Strait, mutual benefits, and prosperous coexistence would be common goals.
"Therefore, I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China's existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan, and in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan's people. This can start from the resumption of tourism on a reciprocal basis, and enrollment of degree students in Taiwanese institutions. Let us together pursue peace and mutual prosperity.
"My fellow citizens: As we pursue the ideal of peace, we must not harbor any delusions. So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand, that even if we accept the entirety of China's position and give up our sovereignty, China's ambition to annex Taiwan will not simply disappear.
"In face of the many threats and attempts of infiltration from China, we must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation, and we must also raise our defense awareness and strengthen our legal framework for national security. This means actively promoting the Four Pillars of Peace action plan: strengthened national defense; improved economic security; stable and principled cross-strait leadership; and values-based diplomacy. By standing side-by-side with other democratic countries, we can form a peaceful global community that can demonstrate the strength of deterrence and prevent war, achieving our goal of peace through strength..."
"We Have A Nation Insofar As We Have Sovereignty"
"I think it is apparent to us all: We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty. Right in the first chapter of our Constitution, it says that 'The sovereignty of the Republic of China shall reside in the whole body of citizens,' and that 'Persons possessing the nationality of the Republic of China shall be citizens of the Republic of China.' These two articles tell us clearly: The Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. All of the people of Taiwan must come together to safeguard our nation; all our political parties ought to oppose annexation and protect sovereignty; and no one should entertain the idea of giving up our national sovereignty in exchange for political power.
"As more countries around the world publicly express their support for Taiwan's meaningful international participation, there is increasing proof that Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world; that Taiwan is a worthy and reliable force for global peace and prosperity.
"So long as we identify with Taiwan, Taiwan belongs to us all – all of the peoples of Taiwan, regardless of ethnicity, irrespective of when we arrived. Some call this land the Republic of China, some call it the Republic of China Taiwan, and some, Taiwan; but whichever of these names we ourselves or our international friends choose to call our nation, we will resonate and shine all the same. So let us overcome our differences and stride forward, with our shared aspirations, to meet the world...
"I want to ask each fellow citizen to praise our mother Taiwan, the land that nurtures and supports us all, and to work together to protect her, honor her, let the world embrace her, and allow her the international respect she deserves as a great nation. Thank you."
