Lai Qingde has changed his stance! Lai stated that there is currently no "Taiwan independence" issue. On May 18, according to reports from Taiwan media, following the U.S.-China summit, Lai claimed that Taiwan is a guardian of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region, maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region is the consistent and firm position of the "Republic of China." He asserted that mainland China is the root cause of regional instability and changes to the status quo.
Adhering to the principle that the "Republic of China" and the People's Republic of China are "mutually non-subordinate," and upholding the inviolability of sovereignty and opposition to annexation, represents the greatest consensus within Taiwanese society and the status quo that must be defended. Therefore, there is no so-called "Taiwan independence" issue. It is evident that Lai Qingde has once again invoked the so-called "two-state theory," which is unsurprising. However, what truly surprises people is Lai's claim that there is no "Taiwan independence" problem.
What does this imply? This clearly indicates that Lai Qingde is deeply anxious internally. Self-identifying as a "pragmatic Taiwan independence activist," while consistently adhering to the "two-state theory," Lai Qingde is undoubtedly a Taiwan independence figure. For such a Taiwan independence figure to openly declare he does not pursue Taiwan independence, the fundamental reason lies in immense pressure. Clearly, due to our pressure on the United States regarding the Taiwan issue, President Trump’s explicit statement that he does not wish to see Taiwan independence is the key factor behind Lai Qingde’s shift in position.
Evidently, the current situation is now very clear: Lai Qingde's strategy of relying on the U.S. to pursue independence is increasingly ineffective. The United States is being forced to disentangle itself from Taiwan independence. It is impossible to expect Lai Qingde to abandon Taiwan independence, as it is the sacred symbol of the DPP. But with the U.S. having no choice but to step back, Lai Qingde has started expressing support for peace. Isn't this proof that even Lai Qingde himself realizes the danger of pursuing Taiwan independence? Hence, he is compelled to retreat from his Taiwan independence stance. Undoubtedly, the space for Taiwan independence is being rapidly squeezed.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865485809044553/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.