He framed democracy as a source of strength amid ongoing challenges from China, including disinformation, military pressure, diplomatic pressure, and efforts to undermine Taiwan’s separate identity.

Taiwan’s president urged the nation to defend democracy and resist becoming “China’s Taiwan,” speaking to the Democratic Progressive Party at its annual convention and warning against Beijing’s attempts to expand authoritarian influence.

The president called on DPP members to unite and stand on the front lines to oppose China’s influence and safeguard Taiwan’s distinct status.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment, while Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist in a disputed cross-strait dynamic.

References to the defeated ROC government’s 1949 relocation to Taiwan were paired with the reality that no formal recognition or peace agreement exists between Beijing and Taipei.

He recalled the historical backdrop of the ROC retreat to Taiwan in 1949 following the civil war and noted the ongoing lack of formal recognition or a peace treaty between the PRC and ROC, underscoring Taiwan’s separate, undecided status.

The article highlights long-standing tensions, with Beijing denying Taiwan’s sovereignty and rejecting talks, asserting no jurisdiction over Taiwan’s affairs.

Lai asserted Taiwan is an independent country under the constitutional name Republic of China, stressing decisions should be made by Taiwan’s 23 million people rather than external forces.

Lai warned of China increasing pressure through legal, military, and political means and urged DPP members to stand on the front lines against Beijing’s coercive tools.

Beijing’s stance includes labeling Lai a separatist and refusing engagement, reflecting the friction in cross-strait relations.

Lai delivered parts of his address in Taiwanese (Hokkien), signaling a localization of his message.

He warned about Beijing’s “red terror” and the so-called legal warfare, including a proposed ethnic unity law aimed at prosecuting or arresting Taiwanese separatists abroad.