Taiwan's Representative to the US: "President Lai Ching-te Will Not Declare Taiwan Independence"

Raichinger "No Exclusion of Dialogue with China"

Lai Ching-te, President-elect of Taiwan

The Taiwanese representative to the United States stated that President-elect Lai Ching-te will not declare Taiwan's independence.

According to Taiwanese media on the 15th, Wu Ta-lay, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office chief in the U.S., equivalent to an ambassador, said this on the 13th (local time) at the Wilson Center, a U.S. think tank.

Representative Wu explained that Taiwan is not a "troublemaker" causing problems and does not want to create issues. He emphasized that President-elect Lai, who will take office on the 20th, will continue the policies of President Tsai Ing-wen.

Wu predicted that President-elect Lai will follow President Tsai's approach in cross-strait (China and Taiwan) and international relations. He argued that since Taiwan is already a sovereign and independent country, there is no need for a separate declaration of independence. In fact, there are no signs that Lai, who China has "branded" as an independence advocate, will declare independence after taking office.

Additionally, Representative Wu stressed that President-elect Lai will work to ensure the world recognizes Taiwan and strive for global peace and the future. Wu stated that Taiwan is not a troublemaker and that Taiwan is not the party causing regional sensitivity and tension.