Vice President William Lai (賴清德) has kept his trip to Paraguay, which includes stopovers in New York and San Francisco, low profile.
He did not plan to meet any US politicians, but he was welcomed by overseas Taiwanese. Some overseas Chinese also welcomed Lai with banners of “no attacks on Taiwan.”
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) members have mocked Lai’s trip, saying that keeping a low profile was undignified and that he should have canceled the trip rather than waste taxpayers’ money.
An opposition party like the KMT can never understand how to do things right. The KMT claims that other parties should be “discontinued,” but the KMT is the one that should be canceled.
The New York Times reported that Lai’s trip was to mitigate his firm opposition to China. Lai has portrayed himself to Washington and voters as a reliable leader. He made it clear that if he becomes president, he would not change the status of Taiwan. Keeping Taiwan safe is his priority.
It is correct that nothing has to be changed.
Taiwanese officials are able to visit other countries and a presidential election is to be held next year. This is a demonstration of sovereignty. If any change should be made, it should be to the national anthem, which is the song of the KMT.
China continues to intimidate Taiwan. This is the KMT’s fault, because it tries to compete with China for the status of “one China.” Beijing wants to annex Taiwan, but not other nations, because only the KMT in Taiwan wants to become another China.
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) is similar to the muddle-headed KMT. The TPP has said that Taiwan should not become trapped by the disputes between independence and unification.
This displays considerable ignorance of the issue, given that Taiwan has been independent for some time. Otherwise, how could it hold presidential elections?
The most important thing is to maintain Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. Authoritarianism should not change Taiwan.
Under President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) leadership, Taiwan has improved in several aspects. Pension reforms have offended some beneficiaries, but helped a large number of people. This is what it means to have the courage of one’s vision as a politician.
In terms of national defense, diplomatic relations, the economy and human rights, Taiwan has made significant progress. Officials from Europe and the US visit Taiwan more often than before, while leaders of the US, France, Germany, Japan and Australia have all said that Taiwan’s future has everything to do with their countries, warning China not to invade Taiwan.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜), the KMT’s presidential candidate, has failed to manage a city well. How could he think to contest the election?
Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-jie (柯文哲) said that the government has failed to take care of the younger generation, but what has he done for them? Ko’s social housing plan does not allow young people to own their homes.
Overall, Lai’s visit has proved that Taiwan is an independent country. There is no need to declare independence. There is no need to argue about independence or unification.
Taiwan should argue for democracy and freedom. Recent events prove that the KMT and the TPP are authoritarian parties.
Chen Chen
Taipei
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