Taipei: President Lai Ching-te stated that China's "cross-border pressure" against Taiwan underscores the fact that Beijing's authority does not extend to Taiwan, affirming that Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

According to Focus Taiwan, Lai referenced the visit by China-born Japanese lawmaker Hei Seki to Taiwan, who has been sanctioned by China and barred from entering the PRC. This visit, he argued, demonstrated that the Republic of China (ROC)-Taiwan's official name-and the PRC operate independently of each other.

Lai's remarks followed the Taiwan Affairs Office of China naming Taiwan's Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao as "diehard Taiwan independence elements." Additionally, a prosecutor from the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office was labeled a "Taiwan independence thug accomplice" by the same office.

Speaking to reporters at an event celebrating the completion of training for new personnel at the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau, Lai expressed pride in those subjected to China's cross-border suppression. He emphasized the resilience of officials and representatives like Cheng Ying-yao, Liu Shyh-fang, and others who continue to serve the country without fear of Chinese threats.

Lai urged China's leaders to recognize that military exercises targeting Taiwan are not peace-promoting actions. He asserted that China's "united front" infiltration and cross-border tactics would not succeed in integrating Taiwan into China. As the armed forces' commander-in-chief, he reiterated his commitment to protecting Taiwan and its citizens' lives and property.

President Lai also called the current situation critical and urged all political parties to support the nation by advancing national defense-related bills and the central government general budget proposal for committee review. He stressed this as a fundamental duty and obligation of lawmakers to both the nation and its people.