Beijing – A fresh wave of tensions erupted between China and Taiwan as both sides intensified their rhetoric over the island's sovereignty and historical identity. China reaffirmed its longstanding position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, while Taiwan’s leadership strongly rejected this narrative, asserting its independent statehood and unique historical roots.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office declared that there is no question of “invading” Taiwan because, in its view, the island is already a province of China. This statement came in direct response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent comments asserting Taiwan’s status as a sovereign country. Beijing has labeled Lai a “separatist” and has vowed firm countermeasures against what it considers provocations promoting independence.
President Lai, under his newly launched “Uniting the Country” initiative, has begun a series of ten speeches aimed at reinforcing national identity and public support amid growing external pressure. In these addresses, Lai emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name) has existed since 1911—well before the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949—highlighting the island’s historical legitimacy as a distinct political entity.
Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo also accused China of attempting to rewrite World War II history. He insisted that it was the Republic of China that led the resistance against Japanese occupation during the war, not the Communist-led People’s Republic of China.
Meanwhile, the military atmosphere around Taiwan remains tense. China has conducted several large-scale military drills in recent months and continues near-daily sorties involving fighter jets and naval vessels in the region. Taiwan has responded by enhancing its surveillance capabilities and strengthening ties with regional allies such as Japan, especially in monitoring the movements of Chinese aircraft carriers in the western Pacific.
The “Uniting the Country” campaign also comes ahead of a significant political event: a recall vote scheduled for July 26 targeting several opposition Kuomintang lawmakers. Lai’s administration is using the campaign to consolidate domestic support and draw attention to Taiwan’s democratic values in contrast to Beijing’s authoritarian governance.
Despite Taiwan's repeated calls for dialogue and peaceful engagement, China has shown no signs of softening its position. The escalating war of words reflects a broader strategic struggle over Taiwan's status in the international arena, with implications not just for cross-strait relations but also for regional stability in the Asia-Pacific.
Observers expect further diplomatic and military maneuvers from both sides as Taiwan continues its internal political mobilization and China maintains its pressure campaign to assert control over the island. The international community, especially the United States and its allies, remains closely watchful of developments that could potentially escalate into a larger conflict.