Taiwan President Suggests China Should Reclaim Land From Russia Under Chinese 'Territorial Integrity'

Taiwan President's Views on China's Territorial Integrity

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has suggested that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is more interested in achieving hegemony than in fulfilling its dream of territorial integrity. In an interview with a Taiwanese television program, Lai pointed out that while Beijing often cites territorial integrity as a justification for its desire to annex Taiwan, it does not apply the same logic to historically Chinese territories in Russia.

China's Intentions Towards Taiwan

According to Lai, China's intention to attack and annex Taiwan is not motivated by the actions of any individual or political party in Taiwan, nor is it for the sake of territorial integrity. He questioned why China does not attempt to reclaim lands occupied by Russia, which were ceded in the Treaty of Aigun in 1858. The treaty, signed by the Qing Dynasty, handed over a large tract of land in what is now Russia's far east to the Russian Empire. Lai suggested that China should ask Russia to return the land, but he believes that China does not want to invade Taiwan for territorial reasons.

China's Real Motivation

Lai argued that Beijing's true motivation for wanting to seize Taiwan is to alter the rules-based international order. He believes that China's real aim is to achieve hegemony in the international area, particularly in the Western Pacific. Taiwan is situated on the first island chain, which extends from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines to Malaysia. This chain is seen as a barrier that prevents China from easily accessing the Pacific Ocean for its naval and air forces.

Agreement with Lai's Assessment

Akio Yaita, a Japanese political commentator and journalist, expressed agreement with Lai's assessment of China's intention to annex Taiwan. He pointed out that amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, China could potentially reclaim its land, but instead continues to provide Russia with assistance without making any demands. Yaita also noted that the Chinese regime under former CCP leader Jiang Zemin handed over land to Russia in the 1990s. He concluded that China's belief that 'Taiwan's independence will lead to war' is merely an excuse.

China's Hardline Attitude

Chiu Chih-wei, a legislator from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, echoed Lai's comments, noting Beijing's hardline stance on its territorial claim in the South China Sea. He suggested that China's reunification with Taiwan is not only about eliminating the government that fled to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War, but also symbolizes China's rise as a great power and its challenge to the United States.

Historical Context

The Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, was established in 1912 in China. The ROC government, under Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, relocated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing control of China to Mao Zedong's communist forces in the Chinese Civil War.

Bottom Line

These comments from Taiwan's president highlight the complex and often contentious issue of territorial integrity in East Asia. As the balance of power continues to shift in the region, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics evolve. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with President Lai's assessment of China's intentions towards Taiwan? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.