When discussing security in the Asia-Pacific in the interview, Lai raised Beijing’s frequent military exercises in the East China Sea, South China Sea, Taiwan Strait and the Sea of Japan, which is also known as the East Sea.
He said security cooperation between Japan and Taiwan would benefit the entire Asia-Pacific.
He did not say what form security cooperation could take, but said in a separate interview with the public broadcaster NHK that “any cooperation that could be had, can be had”.
In the interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, a transcript of which was published by the DPP, Lai also rejected the 1992 consensus, a supposed semi-official agreement between mainland China and Taiwan.
03:42
Taiwan unveils first home-built submarine to fend off possible attack from mainland China
Taiwan unveils first home-built submarine to fend off possible attack from mainland China
Beijing insists that the formula – which states there is “one China” although the parties may disagree what that means – must be the basis for cross-strait relations.
Lai said Taiwan was already “sovereign and independent”, citing the fact that the island holds presidential elections, and added that it was his job to safeguard its sovereignty.
“If Taiwan accepts the 1992 consensus, it amounts to giving up its sovereignty,” Lai said. “Without sovereignty, there will be no democracy, no freedom and no human rights. So, mainstream public opinion in Taiwanese society will not accept it. Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China.”
Beijing has repeatedly attacked Lai, saying he supports Taiwanese independence. Beijing views the island as a breakaway province that must be brought under its control – by force if necessary. Most countries do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state but many are opposed to any forcible change in the status.
The People’s Liberation Army has been stepping up its exercises in the Taiwan Strait over the past year or so, with warplanes and ships approaching the island on a nearly daily basis.
Taiwan’s ex-leader vows to boycott Double Tenth event over logo
Taiwan’s ex-leader vows to boycott Double Tenth event over logo
The PLA has also ramped up the frequency and scale of its drills to include flights on the east side of Taiwan, once thought to be harder to attack from the Chinese mainland because it is protected by a mountain range.
The planes have also crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, a de facto border that Beijing no longer recognises.
03:06
Foxconn founder Terry Guo picks Netflix actress Tammy Lai as running mate in Taiwan presidential bid
Foxconn founder Terry Guo picks Netflix actress Tammy Lai as running mate in Taiwan presidential bid
That idea has been floated in recent weeks because of fears of vote-splitting among opponents of the DPP, although 10 to 30 per cent of respondents did not choose between Lai and a joint opposition ticket.
