On the 10th, the Taiwanese government clearly stated its position that China has no right to represent Taiwan on the occasion of the Double Tenth Day (National Day).
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan said in a commemorative speech at the 113th National Day rally held in front of the Taipei Presidential Office, "The Republic of China (Taiwan) is now rooted in Tai-Peng-Jin-Ma (Taiwan main island, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu) and is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China (China)."
He emphasized, "As president, my mission is to protect the survival and development of the nation and to unite the 23 million Taiwanese people. It is also to not tolerate any infringement or annexation of national sovereignty." He added, "Strengthening national defense and standing shoulder to shoulder with democratic countries to exert deterrence and secure peace through strength is also my mission." Furthermore, he stated that while safeguarding national sovereignty, efforts will be made to maintain peace, stability, and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
The speech attracted attention as it was President Lai's first National Day address since taking office on the 5th, known for his pro-American and anti-China stance. President Lai has opposed China's claim of "One China." Earlier this month, at a National Day event held at Taipei Arena, he said, "The Republic of China is 113 years old, but the People's Republic of China is only 75 years old," and argued that China should not use the term "homeland."
However, on this day, he refrained from using the term "homeland," seemingly to avoid further provoking China. There had been ongoing speculation locally that China might carry out military threats against Taiwan around the Double Tenth Day. Foreign media including Politico reported that the Chinese People's Liberation Army continued military pressure on Taiwan on this day, with 15 aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
The Double Tenth Day commemorates the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which was a major catalyst for establishing the current Republic of China (Taiwan). In Taiwan, it is celebrated as National Day. The name "Double Tenth" originates from the repetition of the number 10. In contrast, China commemorates its National Day on October 1, 1949, when Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Meanwhile, a public opinion poll showed that more than seven out of ten Taiwanese believe that the United States would provide indirect support to Taiwan, such as imposing sanctions on China, in case of an emergency. The Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), a Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense think tank, released the results of the "2024 Taiwan Defense and Foreign Policy Public Opinion Survey" yesterday.
According to the survey, 73.4% of Taiwanese respondents said that if China invades Taiwan, the United States would impose economic and diplomatic sanctions on China. Additionally, 63.9% of respondents identified "China's territorial ambitions" as a serious threat. However, only 52.6% believed that the United States would deploy troops to help defend Taiwan in an emergency.
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