Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te asserted on Saturday that it is "impossible" for the People's Republic of China to be Taiwan's motherland, citing Taiwan's older political roots.
Speaking ahead of Taiwan's national day on October 10, Lai pointed out that Taiwan's government, the Republic of China, was established in 1911, long before the People's Republic in 1949.
"Our nation is older than theirs, making it impossible for China to claim to be our motherland," Lai declared. He emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty, adding, "We are a sovereign and independent country."
