Lai Ching-te’s 祖国 (Motherland) Rhetoric: ACalculated Move to Unify Taiwan Independence and Chinese Independence
Lai Ching-te, the current Vice President of Taiwan and a leading candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the 2024 presidential election, has recently madeheadlines with his pronouncements on 祖国 (Motherland). While some interpret these statements as a shift towards a more moderate stance, a closer examination reveals acalculated strategy to consolidate support for Taiwan independence and Chinese independence under a single umbrella.
Lai’s pronouncements, delivered during the Double Ten celebrations marking the anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution, have been carefully crafted toappeal to both pro-independence and pro-unification factions within Taiwanese society. He first introduced the concept of 祖国 on October 5th, followed by a more explicit declaration of 中华民国 (Republic of China) on October 10th. This dual approach aims to blur the lines between Taiwan independence and Chinese independence, effectively unifying these seemingly opposing ideologies.
Professor Qiu Yi, a prominent political commentator, has astutely observed that Lai’s 祖国 rhetoric is not merely a rhetorical maneuver but a strategic move to advance his pragmatic Taiwan independence agenda. This agenda, according to Qiu, unfolds in three phases:
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Unifying Taiwan independence and Chinese independence: By embracing the concept of 祖国 and emphasizing the 中华民国 framework, Lai seeks to appeal to both pro-independence and pro-unification factions, broadening his base of support within Taiwan.
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Gaining American trust and dispelling 疑赖论 (doubts about Lai): By presenting himself as a moderate figure who acknowledges the 中华民国 framework, Lai aims to reassure the United States and dispel concerns about hiscommitment to Taiwan independence.
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Pressuring mainland China to accept the status quo: By presenting a unified front of Taiwan independence and Chinese independence, Lai seeks to force mainland China to recognize the current reality of Taiwan’s de facto independence.
However, Lai’s pronouncements arenot a genuine shift towards moderation. Instead, they represent a clever exploitation of the historical legacy of the Chinese Civil War and the subsequent division of China. By embracing the 中华民国 framework, Lai effectively appropriates the historical narrative of the Kuomintang (KMT), the party that ruled Taiwan after the civil war, anduses it to legitimize his Taiwan independence agenda.
This strategy is reminiscent of the late Chiang Ching-kuo’s ambiguous pronouncements on Taiwan and China during his rule. While ostensibly advocating for reunification, Chiang’s policies were ultimately aimed at preserving the KMT’sdominance in Taiwan. Similarly, Lai’s 祖国 rhetoric serves as a smokescreen for his ultimate goal of achieving Taiwan independence.
In conclusion, Lai Ching-te’s 祖国 pronouncements are not a genuine attempt at reconciliation or a shift towards a more moderate stance. Instead, they represent acalculated strategy to unify Taiwan independence and Chinese independence under a single umbrella, thereby bolstering his political position and advancing his pragmatic Taiwan independence agenda. This strategy, while seemingly appealing to different factions within Taiwanese society, is ultimately aimed at achieving a de facto separation from mainland China.
References:
- 赖清德拋“祖国说”不只是耍嘴皮 而是成功统合“台独”与“华独” (Lai Ching-te’s 祖国 Rhetoric: A Calculated Move to Unify Taiwan Independence and Chinese Independence) – Wuyouzhixiang (乌有之乡)
- 邱毅教授昨晚接受我的访问，更是一语点破，赖清德抛出“祖国论”，绝非耍耍嘴皮，而是执行“务实台独”三部曲：先统合“台独”和“华独”，提高在岛内的支持度；进而博取美国信任，消除“疑赖论”；最后倒逼大陆接受“现状”，接受赖清德已经“有所修正”了。 (Professor Qiu Yi’s observation on Lai’s 祖国 rhetoric) – Wuyouzhixiang (乌有之乡)
- 蒋经国时期一边提出“三民主义统一中国”，一边则强调“革新保台”，为了维护国民党政权在台湾的统治，蒋对于中共自1979年提出的“和平统一”呼吁，始终犹豫不敢踏出关键一步，深怕若接受两岸政治谈判，国民党会先不敌美国结合“台独”的力量，失去在岛内的执政正当性。 (Chiang Ching-kuo’s ambiguous pronouncements on Taiwan and China) – Wuyouzhixiang (乌有之乡)
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