Taiwan cherishes its freedom and democracy and no “external force” can change its future, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Friday, visiting sensitive frontline islands next to China for the 75th anniversary of a key victory over communist forces.
Taiwan has maintained control over Kinmen and the northern Matsu islands since the Republic of China government retreated to Taipei in 1949, following its defeat in the civil war against Mao Zedong’s communist forces.
Addressing veterans and their families, Lai referenced the Battle of Guningtou in October 1949, where republican forces repelled an invasion attempt by the People’s Liberation Army, stating it “symbolizes our commitment to defending our country.”
“The Battle of Guningtou makes us realize that democracy and freedom are not something to be taken for granted,” Lai said.
“We treasure a democratic and free way of life, and we cannot, and will not, allow any external force to change the future of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, right?” Lai added, referring to all the island groups the government controls, though without directly mentioning China.
China conducted a day of military exercises around Taiwan earlier this month, which it described as a warning against “separatist actions.”
Lai reaffirmed his commitment to preserving peace and stability, defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, and expressed his openness to dialogue with Beijing.
“Our insistence on safeguarding a democratic and free lifestyle for generations to come has not changed and will remain unchanged,” he added.
The Battle of Kinmen was one of the few victories for Chiang Kai-shek’s forces in the closing stages of China’s civil war.
In December of that year, the republican government retreated to Taiwan, and in the months that followed, lost a series of other islands and islets to communist forces. Taiwan’s formal name remains the Republic of China.
On Thursday night, Taiwan’s military conducted live-fire exercises on the Penghu islands, which are home to a significant air force and navy base. Located in the Taiwan Strait, Penghu is closer to Taiwan than to China, and the drills simulated repelling a sea-based assault.
This was Lai’s second visit to Kinmen since taking office in May. Kinmen is now a popular tourist destination, partly due to its Cold War history.
