Premier Speaks About Independence During Interview|賴揆重申務實台獨 就是台灣前途決議文

Premier William Lai defended the government's inaction over the renaming advocacy. In response to civic groups' attempt to initiate a referendum on renaming the island's sports team from "Chinese Taipei" to "Taiwan", Mr. Lai said as much as he respects people's opinion, the government has to protect the rights of athletes to participate in international competition, suggesting the original name might not go away in the near future.


Premier William Lai recently consented to be interviewed by netizens, hoping to make a good impression on young people. He used the opportunity to explain the government's current policies, and also answered questions. Lai previously described himself as "a pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence." Netizens therefore asked him what concrete actions he has taken. Lai responded by linking a pragmatic approach to Taiwan independence and the Democratic Progressive Party's "Resolution on Taiwan's Future."

A pragmatic approach to Taiwan independence is actually just the Democratic Progressive Party's "Resolution on Taiwan's Future." And what is the content of the DPP's "Resolution on Taiwan's Future"? It is that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent country named the Republic of China.

The premier said only the 23 million residents of Taiwan can decide its future. Recently, a movement arose calling for Taiwan to change the name of the team it sends to the 2020 Summer Olympics. Lai said movement initiator Chi Cheng competed three times in the Olympic Games under the name Taiwan, and he respects the power of the people. However, he also said under the Lausanne Agreement, Taiwan participates in the Olympics under the name Chinese Taipei and the government needs to protect the right of athletes to compete.

However, according to the Lausanne Agreement stipulations, Taiwan participates in the Olympics under the name Chinese Taipei. I believe many people are dissatisfied, but this is the current situation. We also presently believe the participation of athletes is very important.

The premier's policy-oriented vows are like an army of millions cheering on these athletes.

The sporting world was mostly happy that the premier referred to the Lausanne Agreement. Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee Vice Chairperson Tsai Szu-chueh said the support of the government can help to ease the worry of athletes and boost their morale before the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, which will translate to better results.