DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te went on the record in a Monday television interview, addressing issues from Taiwan independence to war with China. Lai said he has Washington’s support and that if elected, he won’t let war happen across the strait. The candidate also spelled out his views on Taiwan independence. Here is Lai in his own words.

In a TV interview, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te explained what it means to be a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence.”

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
As a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence,” I look at the facts. And the facts are: Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China, and the PRC and R.O.C. are not affiliated with one another. Being a “worker” means that my role is protect Taiwan. Especially now that I’m running for president, my role is to protect Taiwan and promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in Taiwan. That’s my mission.

Lai stressed that his approach was based on facts. To him, Taiwan independence means Taiwan having sovereignty over its own land and not being part of the PRC.

Lai rejected the rival camp’s claim that “a vote for the DPP is a vote for sending youth to war.”

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
I won’t let war break out. I will do my utmost to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In this election, the opposition party is echoing Chinese propaganda. If you give up Taiwan’s sovereignty by accepting the “one China” principle, even if you achieve a temporary peace, it is not a true peace. The approach that’s been proposed by the KMT – can it achieve true peace? Their approach is to accept the “1992 Consensus.” Doing this cannot achieve peace and may even lead Taiwan into a more serious conflict.

Lai said the KMT was using war as a campaign tactic. He emphasized that it was possible to engage in dialogue with China – while protecting Taiwan’s interests.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
We must not fail to distinguish friend from foe. We cannot, for the sake of an election, deny the fact that the U.S. has helped Taiwan, and push away our longstanding friend and best partner. That would be unwise. At the same time, there are rumors that Washington is skeptical toward me. But we need only see the global landscape to know whether the U.S. prefers a pro-China regime in Taiwan or a democratic, U.S.-friendly government.

Speaking on issues from Taiwan independence to U.S. support, Lai moved to counter his critics and set the record straight.

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