Taiwanese President William Lai on 18 May 2025 declared that Taiwan's independence means Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and that the Republic of China (RoC) and the PRC are not subordinate to each other, according to local media reports. Lai made the remarks at a youth forum marking the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) 40th anniversary in Taipei.

Sovereignty as the Cornerstone

Lai underscored that sovereignty is the foundation of statehood, arguing that there would be no RoC without Taiwan, as the two have become inseparable. He further stated that democracy cannot exist without sovereignty, framing the island's political identity as non-negotiable. Lai cited the DPP's Resolution on Taiwan's Future, passed at the party's National Congress in 1999, as the guiding principle of the party's cross-strait policy.

The resolution, he noted, declares Taiwan an independent sovereign state operating under the RoC name, and stipulates that any change to the 'status quo' must be decided by the people of Taiwan — not imposed from outside.

Tsai's Four Commitments Reaffirmed

Lai invoked the four commitments articulated by former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her Double Ten National Day address in 2021. Those commitments, as reported by the Taipei Times, are: maintaining a free and democratic constitutional system; ensuring the RoC and PRC will not be subordinate to each other; resisting annexation or encroachment upon Taiwan's sovereignty; and guaranteeing that Taiwan's future is decided by the will of its own people. Lai said the DPP's 1999 resolution and Tsai's four commitments together define the party's governing philosophy.

Five-Point Response to Trump-Xi Meeting

In a subsequent post on Facebook, Lai outlined five key points following a national security briefing on US President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The statement asserted that: Taiwan is a guardian of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region; China is the primary source of regional instability and is attempting to alter the status quo; defending Taiwan's status does not equate to pursuing independence; security cooperation and arms sales with the US remain vital for regional stability; and peace in the Taiwan Strait is a core global interest that is non-negotiable. Lai also expressed gratitude to the US government for its ongoing support of Taiwan.

Trump's Stance After China Visit

Lai's remarks came shortly after Trump, in a Fox News interview following his visit to China, said he wants both sides to 'cool down'. When asked whether Taiwanese people should feel more or less secure after his meeting with Xi, Trump responded: 'Neutral. This has been going on for years,' adding that US policy on Taiwan had not changed. Trump also said: 'I'm not looking to have somebody go independent. And, you know, we're supposed to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I'm not looking for that. I want them to cool down. I want China to cool down.'

What's Next

Lai's dual-track messaging — reaffirming sovereignty domestically while expressing appreciation for US support internationally — reflects Taipei's effort to hold its ground amid shifting great-power dynamics. With Trump signalling a preference for de-escalation and Beijing continuing to assert its claims, Taiwan's political leadership faces mounting pressure to define its position without triggering a fresh crisis in the strait.