Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) stated that partisan and electoral competition, while normal within Taiwan’s borders, shouldn’t harm its overall interests. He said that Taiwan’s diplomacy includes the nation’s survival, development, and the common interests of all Taiwanese. This came in response to KMT Party Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s (鄭麗文) comments earlier this week.

Cheng stated during an interview that Taiwan had never been independent, or a country, sparking online backlash.

Responding to the media about the comment, Lin said in an interview that denying Taiwan is a country is a blow to diplomatic efforts. He encouraged the public to more closely examine what he described as a significant change in Cheng’s words and actions, referring to Cheng's dramatic shift from DPP legislator to Chairwoman of the opposition party.

Lin emphasized that, from a diplomatic perspective, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China are independent countries. Taiwan meets the criteria for an independent state, including direct presidential elections and regular legislative elections. In all respects, Taiwan operates as its own country. 

He said the fact that some countries refuse to establish diplomatic relationships with Taiwan due to coercion from China doesn’t negate Taiwan’s de facto statehood. Recognition from other countries, he said, is not a necessary condition for independence.