TECO in Australia strongly refutes the seven fallacies about Taiwan mentioned in Mr. Xiao Qian's recent comments in an Australian media outlet as follows:
1. Neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People's Republic of China Is Subordinate to Each Other
Taiwan and the People's Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other. This has long been an objective fact and reflects the current status quo across the Taiwan Strait. As President Lai Ching-te stated in his remarks at a National Day celebration event in October 2024, the PRC celebrated its 75th anniversary on 1 October, while the Republic of China (ROC) celebrated its 113th anniversary. Purely in terms of age, it is impossible for the People’s Republic of China to become the motherland of the Republic of China. Since founded in 1912, the ROC has been a sovereign and independent nation. Over the past decades, Taiwan has embraced democratisation and evolved into a mature democracy, with eight presidential elections held to date. These elections enable the people of Taiwan to vote for their government and determine their own future.
2. China’s Domestic Oppression and Authoritarian Expansion Abroad
We witness China’s authoritarian regime conducting domestic oppression under the guise of so-called “whole-process people’s democracy,” particularly in the persecution of its own people in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, where freedoms are suppressed and universal values violated. On the international front, whether it be its frequent military aircraft and ship crossings of median line of the Taiwan Strait, ramming Philippine government vessels in the South China Sea, violating Japanese airspace with military aircraft, or test-firing intercontinental ballistic missiles into the Pacific Ocean, it is evident that China’s actions are the single greatest threat to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Drawing lessons from Russia's annexation of Crimea and illegal invasion of Ukraine, we see that claims of territorial entitlement under the pretext of "historical ownership" are often used as excuses by aggressors to justify their ambitions.
3. Beijing’s Disregard for President Lai’s and Taiwan’s Goodwill in Cross-Strait Relations
Since taking office in May last year, President Lai has repeatedly expressed Taiwan’s willingness to conduct dialogues with China on the principles of parity and mutual respect; replacing resistance with dialogue and encirclement with consultation to facilitate cooperation. However, we cannot accept China imposing its will on Taiwan. The future of Taiwan should be decided collectively by its people. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, China has continued targeting Taiwan with its military exercises and grey-zone tactics, such as the sabotage of Taiwan’s undersea cables. These actions clearly demonstrate China as the true culprit of undermining cross-strait relations and regional peace and development, not Taiwan.
4. China’s Misuse of "One China" to Mislead International Audiences
Many countries including Australia have their own “One China Policy,” which often differs from China’s so-called “One China Principle.” The PRC frequently distorts these policies to mislead the international community about Taiwan’s status, particularly by misinterpreting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 passed in 1971. We appreciate the Australian Senate’s emergency motion in August 2024, which clarified that the resolution does not establish the People’s Republic of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan, the future status of Taiwan in the United Nations, nor Taiwanese participation in UN agencies or international organizations. China’s use of cognitive warfare in Taiwan and Australia aims to manipulate public perception through false narratives. As a democratic and open society, Australia ensures that such claims are subject to public scrutiny and judgment.
5. Continued Strengthening of Taiwan-Australia Relations
Taiwan and Australia share a long-standing and robust relationship. In 2023, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Australia amounted to approximately AUD 33.83 billion, making Taiwan Australia’s seventh-largest trading partner, while Australia ranks as Taiwan’s eighth-largest trading partner. The two sides maintain close exchanges across economic, technological, educational, and cultural fields. Taiwan and Australia are also like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region, sharing common strategic interests. In recent years, Australia has frequently recognised the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, through joint statements with the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, the Philippines, and New Zealand. We look forward to further deepening cooperation with Australia across all fields, fostering stronger friendships, upholding the democratic front, and actively working with like-minded nations to promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
