100 days into the job, Taiwan’s new leader is cutting mainland ties by reframing history

William Lai Ching-te has used key speeches to showcase his fiery stance on cross-strait relations and minimise mainland links, analysts say

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Unlike his predecessor, the more assertive William Lai has taken a clear and decisive stance on mainland ties. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00am, 31 Aug 2024

William Lai Ching-te’s first 100 days as leader of Taiwan have been evaluated not only on the basis of his handling of local affairs, but also in relation to the self-governed island’s heightened tensions with mainland China.

Cross-strait relations have deteriorated significantly since Lai took office on May 20, according to analysts, who say he has actively sought to sever Taiwan’s historical ties with the mainland.

His predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, also of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), employed a strategy of ambiguity in dealing with the mainland during her eight years in office. However, the more assertive Lai is seen to have taken a clear and decisive stance.

His promotion of the “mutual non-subordination” theory to define Taiwan’s relationship with Beijing has raised concerns among observers, who fear it could further strain cross-strait ties and potentially lead to conflict.

In his three major speeches on cross-strait relations since taking office, Lai has consistently stressed his view that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are no longer connected.

“The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other,” Lai said in his inauguration speech, referring to the official names of the two sides.

According to analysts, Lai has sought to use these speeches to project a permanent disconnect, reframing the two sides of the strait as adversaries rather than kin.