Taiwan's President Vows to Defend Sovereignty Amid Chinese Pressure

William Lai reaffirms Taiwan's independence stance on National Day, offering cooperation with China while resisting annexation.

Taiwanese President William Lai emphasized the island's sovereignty and independence during his National Day speech, rejecting China's claims over Taiwan.
Lai offered to collaborate with China on global issues like climate change and regional security, while maintaining a firm stance against any attempts at annexation.
The United States has urged restraint from both Taiwan and China, warning against using the National Day speech as a pretext for military exercises.
China's government criticized Lai's speech as promoting separatism and escalating tensions, accusing him of having sinister intentions.
Polls indicate that while most Taiwanese believe a Chinese invasion is unlikely in the next five years, they remain wary of Beijing's military activities.