Beijing's 'cross-border pressure' shows Taiwan is not China: President Lai

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Thursday that China's "cross-border pressure" against the people of Taiwan proves that Beijing's authority does not extend to Taiwan and confirms that Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Lai cited the recent visit to Taiwan by China-born Japanese lawmaker Hei Seki, who has been sanctioned by China and barred from entering the PRC, saying the visit demonstrated that the Republic of China (ROC) -- Taiwan's official name -- and the PRC are not subordinate to each other.

The remarks came after China's Taiwan Affairs Office listed Taiwan's Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) as so-called "diehard Taiwan independence elements."

The same Chinese office also labeled a prosecutor from the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office as a "Taiwan independence thug accomplice."

Lai made the comments to reporters before attending an event celebrating the completion of training for new personnel at the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau.

"As president, I feel proud of anyone who is subjected to China's cross-border suppression," Lai said.

"Whether it is Cheng Ying-yao, Liu Shyh-fang, the prosecutor surnamed Chen, or other officials or elected representatives, all can stand at their posts and strive for the country, without fear of China's threats," he said.

Lai said he hoped China's leaders would clearly understand that military drills targeting Taiwan are not peaceful actions.

He added that China's "united front" infiltration and cross-border suppression would not achieve the goal of making Taiwan a part of China.

As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Lai said he was again pledging to protect the country and safeguard the lives and property of all citizens.

"I will certainly safeguard the nation and absolutely not allow Chinese pressure or China's hand to reach into Taiwan," he said.

Calling the current situation a critical moment, Lai urged all political parties to support the country by allowing national defense-related bills and the central government general budget proposal to be sent for committee review.

He said this was the most basic responsibility and obligation of lawmakers to the nation and the people.