On June 22, Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te delivered a speech titled “10 Lectures on Unity,” which has stirred controversy among residents. Framed under the theme of “country,” the speech has been criticized for containing vague rhetoric and factual inaccuracies.
Lai reportedly misinterpreted United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, passed in 1971, by claiming that the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are “not subordinate to each other.” This assertion has sparked debate and concern among people on the island.
In the wake of the speech, reporters took to the streets of Taipei to gather local opinions. A resident surnamed Lin expressed his dissatisfaction with Lai’s remarks, stating that they have created unnecessary unrest in the region.
“I think Taiwan and the mainland are inseparable, and I am Chinese,” Lin said. “Lai Ching-te has set a bad precedent and made Taiwan too chaotic.”
Many residents are calling for stability and a focus on strengthening ties across the Taiwan Straits. The reactions highlight the varying perspectives on the island regarding the relationship with the Chinese mainland and the future direction of the region.
