'Taiwan independence' means we don't belong to Beijing, president says Taiwanese President Lai Ching te's recent remarks on the meaning of "Taiwan independence" have sent a clear signal to Beijing that Taipei will no longer be swayed by China's rhetoric.
In an era where diplomatic nuances are increasingly being tested, Lai's assertion – echoed through party policy dating back to 1999 – has sparked renewed debate about Taiwan's sovereignty and its relationship with the People's Republic of China.
China's claims on Taiwan, rooted in a civil war that spanned over two decades, have been a point of contention for nearly seven decades.