KINMEN — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te pledged on Wednesday that Taiwan would “not yield an inch” of its territory as he marked the 75th anniversary of Taiwan’s victory over communist forces in the Battle of Guningtou. The ceremony took place on the Kinmen islands, just off China’s coast, against a backdrop of heightened military tension across the Taiwan Strait.
During his speech, President Lai underscored Taiwan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, naming Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu as lands Taipei would firmly hold. “The Battle of Guningtou reminds us that democracy and freedom require the combined efforts of generations to protect,” Lai said.
His remarks followed a period of intense military activity, including large-scale Chinese exercises around Taiwan and a recent transit by a Chinese aircraft carrier group through the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan responded by conducting its own live-fire drills on Penghu island, part of the same strategic waterway.
While Lai did not name China directly, he asserted that “any external forces” attempting to alter Taiwan’s future would be opposed, reaffirming Taiwan’s “determination to defend our national sovereignty.” He also called for “dialogue and exchanges with parity, dignity, and in a healthy and orderly manner,” expressing a desire for peaceful relations.
The historical context of the event commemorates the Battle of Guningtou, a decisive 1949 victory for nationalist forces against communists seeking to take Kinmen. Taiwan’s sovereignty dispute with China dates back to this era, with Beijing continuing to claim Taiwan as part of its territory, vowing to unify the island with the mainland by force if necessary.
President Lai’s remarks, along with recent cross-strait military maneuvers, illustrate the ongoing and intensifying tension between China and Taiwan.