President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan delivering a speech marking his second anniversary in office [Reuters/Yonhap]

Amid China's condemnation of a speech by Taiwan's pro-US and independence-leaning President Lai Ching-te marking his second anniversary in office, labeling it an attempt at independence, President Lai emphasized that "Taiwan, regardless of its name, is already a sovereign and independent country."

Furthermore, the Taiwanese government expressed anticipation regarding US President Donald Trump's potential phone call with President Lai Ching-te.

According to Reuters on the 21st, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that President Lai would be willing to discuss this matter with President Trump if the opportunity arose, in addition to his commitment to maintaining the stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (equivalent to the Taiwanese Embassy in the US) also stated, "Taiwan and the United States maintain close communication," adding, "The US side will make an announcement if there is further news."

When asked by reporters on the 20th (US local time) if he planned to speak with President Lai about US arms sales to Taiwan, President Trump said, "I will talk to him," and "We will resolve the Taiwan issue." No specific time for the call was mentioned.

A direct phone call between President Trump and President Lai is expected to significantly provoke China.

Reuters reported that since the United States officially normalized relations with China in 1979 and ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, there has been no direct conversation between a sitting US President and a sitting Taiwanese President.

In this context, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, told reporters at the Legislative Yuan (parliament) that the United States has reiterated that its policy towards Taiwan has not changed.

He added that providing Taiwan with defensive capabilities through arms sales is an established US policy under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Following the US-China summit, President Trump's remarks have drawn increased international attention to the Taiwan issue. President Lai has further emphasized Taiwan's status as a sovereign nation, expressing his determination for independence.

According to Taiwanese media outlets such as Liberty Times, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Wu Chih-chia stated that President Lai made these remarks at the 21st session of the 67th Central Standing Committee of the party the previous day.

President Lai, who also serves as the DPP chairman, said, "Today (the 20th) marks the historical inauguration day of the President and Vice President elected by the Taiwanese people through the first direct presidential election 30 years ago."

He explained that the people electing the president through direct elections is not only popular sovereignty but also a concrete practice demonstrating that the people are the masters of the country, further highlighting Taiwan.

He went on to emphasize, "Regardless of whether Taiwan is called the Republic of China, Republic of China Taiwan, or simply Taiwan, it is already a sovereign and independent country."

Additionally, President Lai stated, "This morning (the 20th), I met with senior figures who championed Taiwan's democratization and direct presidential elections, including Presidential Office Advisor Yao Chia-wen, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Peace Research Foundation Hsu Hsin-liang, and former Legislative Yuan Speaker You Si-kun, all of whom have served as DPP chairmen."

He pointed out that Taiwan has achieved its current prosperity and development due to the efforts of these democracy pioneers who risked their lives to engage in the democratization movement during difficult and dangerous times.

He emphasized, "As the challenges (threats) from China continue to grow, my responsibilities also increase."

He further stressed that he would follow in the footsteps of these democracy pioneers, continue to move forward, uphold the ideals of the Taiwanese people, and steadfastly adhere to democratic and free institutions to improve the country and economy.

Dong Li-wen, Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Peace Research Foundation, stated that President Lai's remarks yesterday regarding "maintaining the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" are in line with US President Donald Trump's recent statements favoring the "status quo" concerning Taiwan and his desire to avoid war.

He further commented that these remarks are not what Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to hear, stating, "President Xi Jinping should be the one to be vigilant."

He interpreted President Trump's signing of the 'Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act' in December last year, which promotes deepening relations with Taiwan, and the ongoing approval process for a $14 billion (approximately 21 trillion won) arms sale to Taiwan as proof of the robust relationship between Taiwan and the United States.

Dong added that he expects the relationship between Taiwan and the United States to develop positively if President Trump communicates with Taiwan's leaders without making any promises to President Xi at the US-China summit.

President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan with Taiwan's democracy pioneers (6th from left) [Taiwan Presidential Office Capture]