The government needs to talk about Taiwan's legal status with the US so that it can eventually become an independent, normal nation, former president Lee Teng-hui (
Lee made the remarks yesterday morning while giving a lecture at the Lee Teng-hui School.
"Everyone says that Taiwan needs to gain independence, but how?" Lee asked students.
Lee said that the key to the problem was that Taiwan's status is uncertain and that the "Republic of China" is not a real country.
"Although Taiwan is equipped with the prerequisites of nationhood -- including having a government, people, territory and diplomatic policies -- it lacks the most important element of a nation: sovereignty," Lee said.
"In fact, Taiwan's legal status has been uncertain since World War II, which has led the UN to reject Taiwan as a member and prevented Taiwan from participating in the international community and establishing relations with big countries," Lee said.
Lee said that during World War II, Taiwan was part of the Pacific theater and not the war in China. Although US General Douglas Mac-Arthur ordered former president Chiang Kai-shek (
Therefore, to move toward the goal of Taiwanese independence, Lee said that the nation needed to hold discussions with the US, in addition to its other efforts: promoting Taiwanese democracy, writing a new constitution and changing the country's official name.
"We could see exactly what the US wants from Taiwan, and then decide if we can accept the US' conditions," Lee said.
Lee said that, his key aim was to enhance the public's national identification. He also criticized Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
Lee also responded to media reports which speculated that he may suffer from severe diabetes.
"I'm in very good health," Lee said with a smile. "Those who have doubts about my health condition can play golf with me."
"Perhaps some people want me to die early so that they can do whatever they want," Lee added, sparking a round of laughter.
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