An exclusive interview between President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Time Magazine released this Thursday features Lai on the cover of the June 24 issue. In the piece titled “Taiwan’s New President Lai Ching-te Is Standing His Ground,” correspondent Charlie Campbell digs into Lai’s background, stances, and overall political importance.
In the Time Magazine interview, Lai responds to criticism regarding statements made during his May 20 inaugural address in which he claimed that China and Taiwan are not subservient to each other—a claim previously made by Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) during her 2021 National Day Address. While Lai calls it an objective fact not intended to be provocative, Chinese scholars are saying the interview is another lost opportunity to express goodwill towards China.
Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Chairman Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) backs Lai’s stance, stating that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait not being subservient to each other is the status quo. Chiu adds that Taiwan’s constitution does not affiliate the nation with any other country or region in the world.
Regarding the interview, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) told the Cabinet on Friday that Lai used the opportunity to clearly express his confidence in Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic values. He said he believes that further bilateral exchanges will help progress the relationship between Taiwan and China.
Lai posted the issue cover on Twitter and said that he is honored to be featured and share his vision for Taiwan. He said that the ideals of democracy, peace, and prosperity will continue guiding Taiwan’s engagement with the world.