Taiwan's Independent Leadership: A Frontrunner's Perspective

Taiwan's Vice President William Lai, the frontrunner in the upcoming presidential election, stated in an interview with Japanese media that Taiwan has already demonstrated its independence and sovereignty by electing its own president, making a separate declaration unnecessary. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, has not renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Lai emphasized his commitment to protecting Taiwan's sovereignty and promoting democracy, peace, and prosperity. The opposition party criticized Lai for his pro-independence stance, while Lai framed the election as a choice between democracy and dictatorship. Taiwan's current president, Tsai Ing-wen, and Lai both reject China's demand to accept the "one China" policy.