A Chinese mainland scholar has called out Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s recent claims about the island’s supposed ‘statehood,’ sparking fresh debate over cross-strait relations. 🌍 Here’s why experts say the argument doesn’t hold up.
The Four Elements Theory Breakdown 🔍
Wang Yingjin, director of Renmin University’s cross-strait relations research center, dismantled Lai’s claims using the four elements of statehood:
Population: Taiwan’s 23 million residents are part of China’s population, not a separate sovereign entity.
Territory: Areas like Kinmen and Penghu are administered temporarily by Taiwan authorities but remain under China’s sovereignty.
Government: Taiwan’s administrative bodies are local authorities, not internationally recognized governments.
Sovereignty: China’s sovereignty over Taiwan is ‘undivided and unchanged’ despite current governance arrangements.
Why It Matters Now ⚡
Wang stressed that Lai’s rhetoric ignores historical and legal realities, calling it a ‘dangerous distortion’ of international law. With tensions simmering, the scholar’s analysis reinforces Beijing’s stance that Taiwan has always been an inseparable part of China.
💡 Fun fact: Over 180 countries recognize the One-China principle – but debates like this keep geopolitical analysts glued to their screens. 📈
