China can't represent Taiwan, but should work with it, says Lai

Island wants to cooperate on global issues but Beijing rejects offer made in key speech

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TAIPEI – China has no right to represent Taiwan, but the island is willing to work with Beijing to combat global challenges such as climate change, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Oct 10, striking both a firm and a conciliatory tone, drawing anger from China.

Mr Lai, who took office in May after being elected in January, is detested by China, which calls him a "separatist". Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a view Mr Lai and his government reject.

Giving a keynote national address outside the presidential office in Taipei, Mr Lai reiterated that the Republic of China – the island's formal name – and the People's Republic of China are "not subordinate to each other".

"On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People's Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan," he said. Taiwan's determination to defend its sovereignty, maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait, and seek equal and dignified talks with China all remain unchanged, Mr Lai added.