Standing With William Lai and Taiwan: Truth Is the Most Effective Weapon in Political Warfare

Commentary

Taiwanese President William Lai (Lai Ching-te) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected in January and has only been in office since May. But he has already revealed himself to be an expert at political warfare.

Lai is a political warfare prodigy because he knows history and employs historical truth against the lies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). By doing so, he has thwarted Xi Jinping and continues to work hard to ensure Taiwan’s independence in a time of great danger.

The president’s most effective weapon is the truth. Lai has reminded the world of historical truths, exposing the CCP’s deception. On three recent occasions, Lai has shown himself to be a skilled strategist in the realm of political warfare.

First, in his Taiwan National Day address on Oct. 10, he emphasized that the Republic of China (ROC) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other. This bold statement highlighted Taiwan’s independence and its historical separation from the PRC.

In response, the PRC announced Joint Sword 2024B, a coercive measure aimed at intimidating Lai and testing their invasion capabilities. Beijing is attempting to create a “new normal” with routine violations of Taiwan’s airspace.

Second, on Oct. 5, at a National Day event, Lai pointed out the impossibility of the PRC being the “motherland” of Taiwan, as the ROC predates the PRC by almost four decades. He highlighted the historical roots of the ROC and its relationship to the PRC.

Last month, Lai further demonstrated his insight by questioning China’s claims to Taiwan based on territorial integrity and referencing historical treaties with Russia. This move shed light on Xi’s territorial ambitions beyond Taiwan.

Beijing’s response to Lai’s remarks and exercises show that he is on the right path. However, he needs support from the US and its allies to deter a potential invasion. The Biden-Harris administration must take immediate military steps to support Lai.

Recognizing historical truth is a powerful tool in political warfare, and Lai wields it effectively. Like General Ulysses Grant in kinetic war, Lai is a fighter in political warfare against the CCP, and the world cannot afford to lose him.