MAC Press Release No. 035
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued the following statement in response: the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign state. Vice President Lai Ching-te represents the nation and people of Taiwan on his visit to diplomatic allies and transit through the United States; during the trip, he will meet with people from various circles for exchanges and interaction to broaden Taiwan’s international space. It is not only a sovereign nation’s legitimate exercise of diplomatic rights but a clear sign that Taiwan's mature democratic system, economic prowess, and technological strengths are internationally recognized. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is in no position to criticize.
The MAC further noted that the CCP continues to carry out joint aerial patrols with Russia in Northeast Asia, fires water cannons on Philippine supply ships in the South China Sea, and has long engaged in military provocations against Taiwan in the waters and airspace around the Taiwan Strait. Moreover, the CCP even launched targeted military exercises in the East China Sea during Vice President Lai's trip. These arrogant expansionist and militaristic actions have seriously threatened regional peace and made the CCP the true source of trouble for the global community.
Our government will firmly defend national sovereignty and security while safeguarding the line of defense for freedom and democracy. We will never back down or succumb. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to collaborate with democratic partners around the world to jointly stop authoritarian regimes from more military adventurism and irresponsible actions endangering regional peace and security.