China has ‘no right to represent Taiwan,’ Lai says in National Day speech

TAIPEI — Taiwan will remain a responsible actor in defending its sovereignty and democracy in the face of global conflicts and chaos, President Lai Ching-te said in a closely watched National Day speech on Thursday.

“Taiwan is determined to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait to achieve global security and prosperity, and is also willing to work with China to respond to climate change, prevent infectious diseases, protect regional security, maintain peace and common prosperity, and ensure peace. It benefits people on both sides of the waterway,” he said.