Taiwan’s President Calls for Peace with China

Click to watch the trailer of "Invisible Nation"

TAIPEI – In a significant political event, William Lai Ching-te was sworn in as the president of Taiwan. The ceremony, marked by a 21-gun salute, celebrated the island’s democratic values and ushered in a new era of leadership. Lai's inaugural speech emphasized the strength of Taiwan’s democracy and included a direct appeal to China to cease its intimidation tactics towards the self-governing island.

Tsai Ing-wen, 67, stepped down as Taiwan’s president on Monday after she took office as the first female president in 2016. Since then, Taiwan has become the first place in Asia to legalize gay marriage and government statistics suggest that it is doing better than anywhere else in Asia in terms of gender equality and standard of living. Her first term saw increases in the minimum wage and a boost in funding for childcare. However, Tsai’s biggest legacy will be her cultivation of Taiwan’s rising prominence on the world stage, fostering closer relations with the US, even while losing formal diplomatic allies and navigating a tricky relationship with China.

During Tsai's tenure as president, China frequently dispatched military aircraft and naval vessels in proximity to the island. This pattern has persisted even after Lai's election victory in January, with Beijing labelling him as a "separatist" and a "troublemaker."  Despite the Chinese Communist Party never ruling over Taiwan, President Xi Jinping asserts that reunification is inevitable, regarding democratic Taiwan as a province, and insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Meanwhile, the Taiwanese people have increasingly embraced a separate national identity, with younger generations overwhelmingly favouring formal independence. Taiwan's economic importance to the world cannot be overstated. It is a thriving hub for international trade and a vital partner in the global supply chain. Taiwan is home to the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and any disruption to its operations could severely impact the high-tech sector and economies worldwide. 

Moreover, Taiwan's pivotal location in the Indo-Pacific region serves strategic purposes for regional powers, both offensively and defensively. Its position at the centre of the first island chain makes it a geopolitical flashpoint of immense significance, as control over Taiwan would greatly influence the balance of power and ability to project force in the region. However, the pursuit of de jure independence remains a contentious issue, fraught with geopolitical tensions and the threat of military conflict with China.

In his inaugural address, Lai emphasized Taiwan's global significance and called on China to halt its political and military intimidation. He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the wider region, advocating for a world free from the threat of war, saying:  “I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan, and in good faith, choose dialogue over confrontation, exchange over containment, and under the principles of parity and dignity, engage in cooperation with the legal government chosen by Taiwan’s people.”

In recent years, concerns have escalated regarding China's potential annexation of Taiwan, with forecasts suggesting it could happen within the next five years. Under Tsai's leadership, Taiwan has bolstered its defense capabilities, increasing defense spending by nearly 5% annually and extending military conscription for men from four months to one year. Despite these efforts, some experts argue that Taiwan remains underprepared for a potential attack.

Tsai's presidency has been marked by accusations of provocation towards Beijing. Shortly after assuming office, diplomatic communications between China and Taiwan were severed due to Tsai's refusal to endorse the notion of Taiwan and China as part of one country. In 2022, Tsai's welcoming of Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the US House of Representatives, triggered outrage in Beijing. This led to an unprecedented display of military presence around Taiwanese waters and airspace by China.

The conflict between China and Taiwan stems from the Chinese Civil War, which led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 on the mainland and the retreat of the Nationalist government to Taiwan, where it formed the Republic of China (ROC) in 1912, both claimed to be the legitimate government of all of China. PRC's "One-China Policy" asserts Taiwan as part of its territory, leading to diplomatic isolation for Taiwan. Cross-strait relations have been marked by fluctuating tensions, economic integration, and Taiwan's democratization.

The film "Invisible Nation," directed by Vanessa Hope, provides a compelling exploration of Taiwan's political landscape under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen. With unprecedented access to Tsai, the documentary offers valuable insights into Taiwan's journey from authoritarianism to democracy and its ongoing struggle for autonomy. The film's timely portrayal of Taiwan's past challenges and current uncertainties sheds light on the island's determination to shape its future amidst pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. As Tsai advocates for Taiwan's continued autonomy while navigating political isolation, "Invisible Nation" captures the complexities of Taiwan's geopolitical situation and the stakes involved in its quest for survival as a sovereign entity.

The film received The Cinema for Peace Honorary Award in 2024 at a premiere screening at the Political Center of Europe, the German Parliament at the Reichstag in Berlin, honouring both director Vanessa Hope and President Tsai.