Lai Ching-te urges new generation to bravely resist authoritarian threats for Taiwan

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held a commemorative concert today for the 40th anniversary of its founding, during which President and DPP Chairperson Lai Ching-te delivered an important address in the concluding remarks. He stated that the DPP's founding seniors possessed the courage to stand up against the authoritarian regime back then, and in the face of the current international and cross-strait situation, this generation of Taiwanese people must likewise have the resolve to confront the threats of powerful external forces. Lai emphasized that while past democratic pioneers used their courage to win precious democratic and constitutional systems for Taiwan, the present generation must use a strong will to ensure Taiwan's sovereign independence, and to safeguard and deepen its matured democratic achievements.

Reviewing the history of the DPP's development, the party announced its establishment on September 28, 1986, at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, while Taiwan was still under decades of martial law. In those turbulent times when the bans on political parties and newspapers had not yet been lifted, the founding predecessors bravely rallied and challenged the authoritarian rule of the Kuomintang government, risking massive pressure that could have brought political purges, imprisonment, or even mortal danger. This history is not only a critical turning point in Taiwan's democratization process but also symbolizes a milestone for local political forces moving from underground struggle to legitimate political participation. Lai's choice to revisit this history at the milestone of the 40th anniversary aims to evoke among party comrades and Taiwanese society a deep appreciation for hard-won democratic achievements.

In the current political and geopolitical strategic environment, Taiwan faces increasingly severe military pressure, diplomatic suppression, and infiltration and united front tactics at all levels from mainland China. Lai's particular emphasis in his speech on "having the resolve to face powerful forces" echoes the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan in recent years regarding the steadfast defense of national sovereignty and a democratic lifestyle. With the shift in the international geopolitical landscape, security in the Indo-Pacific region has become a global focus. As the front line of democratic defense, Taiwan's sovereign status and democratic resilience concern not only cross-strait relations but also affect the interests of the global democratic camp. Therefore, taking the opportunity of the commemorative concert, Lai once again conveyed to domestic and international audiences Taiwan's firm stance of not fearing strong powers and adhering to the values of democracy and freedom.

Beyond external pressure from major powers, Lai also used this historical moment to deliver a spiritual pep talk to the party. Having gone through multiple rotations of power and transitioned from an opposition party in the past to the ruling party of today, generational replacement and the transformation of political culture within the DPP are inevitable processes. When facing internal governance challenges, social transitional justice, and complex legislative interactions between the ruling and opposition parties, the governing team needs to build consensus all the more. Revisiting the founding predecessors' fearlessness in the face of hardship helps remind party officials and public servants not to forget their original aspirations. At a time when power and responsibility coexist, they must use a firm will to promote national reforms and respond to the people's expectations for integrity, progress, and democratic defense.

Looking at the political implications of the entire commemorative concert, it was not only a historical review and commemoration, but also an important ritual to consolidate current political consensus. Lai's remarks clearly delineated the historical missions of different generations: the older generation used courage to break through authoritarianism and pioneer democracy, while the contemporary generation shoulders the historical heavy responsibility of defending sovereignty and deepening democracy. At a critical juncture when Taiwan faces unprecedented external challenges and internal transformation, these remarks not only set the future keynote for the ruling party but also conveyed to Taiwanese society the determination to continue moving forward on the path of democracy without ever backing down.