In Carefully Chosen Words, Lai Tests a Softer Tone Toward Beijing

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) used the term "the mainland" to refer to China in a public address on February 24, marking a notable softening in language from a leader who has consistently used "China" — a term carrying separatist overtones in cross-strait politics. Speaking at a Lunar New Year gathering for Taiwanese businesspeople hosted by the Straits Exchange Foundation (海基會), Lai also called on both sides to "maintain the status quo," signaling a conciliatory gesture as cross-strait tensions remain elevated.

The choice of words carries significant diplomatic weight. Under Taiwan's constitutional framework and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, referring to the other side as "mainland China" or "the mainland" implies a shared national identity within a single framework — consistent with the Republic of China Constitution. Using "China," by contrast, implies two separate states, a framing Beijing firmly rejects and one that has drawn criticism even within Taiwan's political establishment. Lai's previous tendency to use "China" had long been a source of tension. （Related： Opinion | As Trump's Beijing Visit Looms, Taiwan's Defense Budget Faces Critical Test ｜ Latest ）

In his remarks, Lai used all three terms — "China," "mainland China," and "the mainland" — but the appearance of the latter two drew immediate attention as a potential diplomatic signal ahead of a period of active cross-strait engagement.

Lai Calls for Status Quo, Citing DPP Continuity

Lai framed his remarks as a continuation of the cross-strait approach established under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). He said both DPP administrations had sought to "maintain the status quo," with the shared goal of improving welfare for people on both sides through exchange and cooperation toward "peaceful prosperity."

Lai recalled that when Tsai took office for her first term, she pledged that goodwill toward the other side would remain unchanged — while refusing to bow to pressure or return to confrontation. During her second inauguration, Tsai outlined four principles — democracy, dialogue, peace, and parity — as the foundation for Taiwan's desire to coexist peacefully with the mainland.

Since taking office, Lai said he has similarly sought to defend national sovereignty, maintain Taiwan Strait stability, and preserve Indo-Pacific peace, with the status quo as a central pillar.

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​A Consistent Private Message, Now Said Publicly

​Lai drew on personal history to reinforce the continuity of his position. He recalled a 2013 visit to Hong Kong as Tainan mayor — taken via a newly opened direct flight — during which he told local media that Taiwan and "the mainland" should pursue exchange over containment and dialogue over confrontation.

​He also cited a 2014 visit to Fudan University in Shanghai, where he expressed hope that cross-strait exchange could lead to mutual understanding, tolerance, and ultimately reconciliation.

​Since assuming the presidency, Lai said he has repeatedly stated publicly that both sides share a common enemy in natural disasters and a common goal in improving the welfare of their peoples. "We hope to pursue exchange and cooperation," he said, "so that both sides can move toward peaceful prosperity together."

​The SEF gathering, held for the first time outside Taipei at the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (漢翔) restaurant in Taichung, was attended by Lai, SEF Chairman Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全), and Mainland Affairs Council Chairperson Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正).​

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