Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Chang Emphasizes Sovereignty at San Francisco Event
At a recent event in San Francisco, Lin Yu-Chang, secretary-general of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasized that ‘Taiwan’s sovereignty is inviolable.’ Speaking at a meeting hosted by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC), Lin affirmed that ‘Taiwanese have the defining power to decide their own future.’
Lin highlighted that the themes of Taiwanese sovereignty and self-determination have been central to President Lai Ching-te’s speeches since his inauguration in May. In a press briefing before his keynote address, Lin discussed how Taiwan’s global importance has increased due to major events like the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War.
Lin reiterated that ‘supporting Taiwan’ is a bipartisan stance in the United States, reflecting shared democratic and freedom values. Lin, who was Taiwan’s minister of the interior between January 2023 and May 2024, is currently on a 13-day visit to the US. Since arriving on August 31, he has visited New York, Washington, DC, and Houston.
He chose not to disclose details of his meetings with US officials, citing sensitivities related to the upcoming US presidential election, tense US-China relations, and Beijing’s ongoing opposition to Taiwanese sovereignty and the DPP.
In recent years, US-Taiwan relations have strengthened significantly, marked by increased military cooperation and economic ties amid rising tensions with China. Under President Biden, the US has enhanced its support for Taiwan, including arms sales and military exchanges. Notably, in 2021, the US approved a major arms sale to Taiwan featuring F-16 fighter jets and anti-ship missiles, underscoring a strong commitment to Taiwan’s defense capabilities.
Recently, Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that the delivery of F-16V fighter jets purchased from the US is expected to begin in 2026. Additionally, the US has supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and forums where it has been historically excluded due to China’s objections. For example, in 2021, the US backed Taiwan’s bid to join the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
US and Taiwanese officials have also held high-level meetings and dialogues to bolster bilateral economic and technological cooperation, particularly in the semiconductor sector. Despite this growing partnership, the US maintains its ‘One China’ policy, recognizing Beijing’s claim over Taiwan while engaging with Taipei on a non-official basis. This support has elicited strong reactions from China, which has increased military maneuvers around Taiwan and condemned US actions as provocations.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
Lin Yu-Chang -: Lin Yu-Chang is a politician from Taiwan. He is the secretary-general of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, which means he helps lead the party.
Sovereignty -: Sovereignty means having the power to govern yourself without outside control. Taiwan wants to make its own decisions without interference from China.
San Francisco -: San Francisco is a big city in the United States, located in the state of California. It is known for its Golden Gate Bridge and diverse culture.
Democratic Progressive Party -: The Democratic Progressive Party is one of the main political parties in Taiwan. It supports Taiwan being independent from China.
Self-determination -: Self-determination means the right of people to choose their own government and make their own laws. Taiwan wants to decide its own future.
US support -: US support means that the United States helps Taiwan in different ways, like with military and economic aid, to keep it safe and strong.
Global tensions -: Global tensions refer to conflicts or disagreements between countries around the world. In this case, it means the disagreements between the US, Taiwan, and China.
One China policy -: The ‘One China’ policy is the idea that there is only one China, which includes Taiwan. The US agrees with this policy but still supports Taiwan in many ways.
