In a bold and diplomatically charged statement, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to leverage his influence to persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to “permanently renounce the use of force” against Taiwan. The appeal, made during an interview with the U.S.-based conservative podcast The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to assert its sovereignty while advocating for peace in a region marked by escalating tensions. Lai suggested that if Trump were successful in convincing Xi to abandon military threats against Taiwan, the U.S. president would be a strong contender for the Nobel Peace Prize, a remark that highlights the gravity of the issue and the potential global impact of such a diplomatic breakthrough.
The interview, a transcript of which was released by Taiwan’s government, comes at a critical juncture in cross-strait relations. China, which views Taiwan as a “breakaway province” and an inseparable part of its territory, has consistently maintained that it will not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. This stance has been a cornerstone of Beijing’s policy since 1949, when the Nationalist government (Kuomintang) retreated to Taiwan after losing the Chinese Civil War to the Communist Party, establishing the Republic of China (ROC) in Taipei. Meanwhile, Taiwan has steadfastly asserted its de facto independence, a position Lai reiterated during the interview, stating that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait “are not subordinate to each other.” He further emphasized that “Taiwan is not a part” of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and that “China does not have the right to invade Taiwan.”
Lai’s remarks are set against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Recent media reports indicate that Beijing is pressing the United States to issue an official statement opposing Taiwan’s independence, a move that would align with China’s long-standing demand for international recognition of its “One China” policy. This policy asserts that there is only one China, encompassing both the mainland and Taiwan, and that the PRC is the sole legitimate government. The United States, while maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Beijing, has long adhered to a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding Taiwan, providing the island with defensive arms and support under the Taiwan Relations Act without explicitly endorsing its independence.
The timing of Lai’s comments is particularly significant, as they coincide with ongoing tariff negotiations between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies. These negotiations, which have far-reaching implications for global trade, have created a complex backdrop for diplomatic engagements. Presidents Xi and Trump are expected to meet later this month in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, an opportunity that Lai likely hopes will provide a platform for discussions on cross-strait stability. The APEC summit, which brings together leaders from 21 member economies, is a critical venue for addressing regional and global challenges, and Lai’s appeal to Trump suggests a strategic effort to involve the U.S. in de-escalating tensions with China.
Lai also used the interview to criticize China’s recent military activities around Taiwan, which have included large-scale exercises involving naval vessels, aircraft, and simulated blockades. These maneuvers, often conducted in response to perceived provocations such as high-level visits by foreign officials to Taipei, have been a source of concern for Taiwan and its allies. Lai described these exercises as “undermining peace and stability in the region,” arguing that they exacerbate tensions rather than fostering dialogue. He stressed that Taiwan’s pursuit of sovereignty and its commitment to democratic values, freedom, and human rights should not be viewed as a provocation. “The fact that the Taiwanese people seek to protect their sovereignty and pursue a way of life based on democracy, freedom, and human rights should not be seen as a provocation against China,” Lai said, framing Taiwan’s stance as a defense of universal values rather than an act of aggression.
As Taiwan prepares to celebrate its national day on October 10, Lai’s remarks carry added weight. The occasion, known as Double Tenth Day, commemorates the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. It is a moment of national pride for Taiwan, but also a reminder of the island’s complex historical and political relationship with the mainland. In his interview, Lai struck a balance between asserting Taiwan’s resolve and advocating for peace, stating, “Even though Taiwan is facing increasing threats from China, Taiwan has not given up on seeking peace and mutual prosperity across the strait. We understand that peace is priceless and that there are no winners in war.” This message reflects Taiwan’s delicate position: a small island nation seeking to maintain its autonomy in the face of a far larger and more powerful neighbor, while also appealing to the international community for support.
Lai’s emphasis on peace as an “ideal, not a fantasy” underscores his belief that a stable and non-confrontational relationship with China is achievable, provided Taiwan maintains its strength. “We believe that to achieve peace, there must be strength,” he said, signaling Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities while pursuing diplomatic avenues to reduce tensions. This approach aligns with Taiwan’s broader strategy of enhancing its military readiness—through domestic defense investments and arms purchases from the U.S.—while engaging in international outreach to garner support for its cause.
The broader implications of Lai’s appeal to Trump extend beyond cross-strait relations. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are widely regarded as essential to global security and prosperity, given the region’s critical role in international trade and supply chains. The Taiwan Strait is one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, through which a significant portion of global shipping passes, including goods critical to industries such as semiconductors, in which Taiwan plays a dominant role. Any conflict in the region would have devastating consequences for the global economy, making Lai’s call for de-escalation a matter of international significance.
Lai’s outreach to Trump also reflects the unique dynamics of U.S.-Taiwan relations under the current U.S. administration. Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy, including his willingness to engage directly with leaders like Xi, has created both opportunities and uncertainties for Taiwan. By framing a potential diplomatic breakthrough as a Nobel-worthy achievement, Lai is appealing to Trump’s penchant for high-profile accomplishments while underscoring the stakes of the issue. However, the success of such an initiative would depend on a complex interplay of factors, including China’s willingness to engage, the U.S.’s broader strategic priorities, and the domestic political dynamics in all three countries.
In conclusion, President William Lai’s call for U.S. President Donald Trump to convince China to renounce the use of force against Taiwan is a strategic move that reflects Taiwan’s multifaceted approach to its security and sovereignty. By combining a firm defense of Taiwan’s independence with an appeal for peace, Lai is navigating the delicate balance between deterrence and diplomacy. His remarks highlight the broader importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait, not only for Taiwan and China but for the global community. As the APEC summit approaches, the world will be watching closely to see whether Lai’s appeal sparks meaningful dialogue or whether tensions in the region continue to simmer. For now, Taiwan remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, backed by the strength of its democratic values and its determination to chart its own course.
