President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy and resisting China's influence during a speech at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) annual congress.

He highlighted concerns over China's 'legal warfare,' including its new ethnic unity law, which could enable Beijing to target Taiwanese separatists abroad.Lai reaffirmed Taiwan's status as an independent country, stressing that its future must be decided by its 23 million residents.The speech comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing viewing the island as part of its territory.Lai criticized China's 'red terror' and called for DPP members to unite against authoritarian pressures.He also reiterated Taiwan's constitutional identity as the Republic of China, separate from the People’s Republic of China.The article underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions and Taiwan's struggle to maintain democratic autonomy amid external threats.