The Republic of China (ROC) is still the most commonly accepted name to refer to the nation, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said yesterday, responding to questions about the use of “Taiwan National Day” to refer to Double Ten National Day.
Ko was asked about the Presidential Office’s use of “Taiwan National Day” in English to refer to Double Ten National Day on the official logo of publicity material for the day.
Ko said that every administration has used different terms over the years, from “ROC at Taiwan,” “ROC in Taiwan,” “ROC is Taiwan” to “ROC (Taiwan).”
Photo: Cheng I-hwa, Bloomberg
“At the moment, ROC is the greatest common denominator,” he said, adding that he hopes the holiday can promote a more harmonious society, rather than become a flashpoint for political wrangling.
Double Ten National Day is a day for solidarity and celebration, he said, adding that he hopes everyone, irrespective of their ideology or background, can do their best for society and make Taiwan more united.
Regarding President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) call in her address yesterday morning for “protecting our territory and safeguarding our nation,” Ko said: “Frankly speaking, Taiwan is not yet ready for war.”
“Avoiding war is the goal, but it can only be achieved by preparing for war and having the ability to fight,” he said, adding that the Russian invasion of Ukraine offers Taiwanese an example of how to respond in such a situation, and “that’s when you realize we aren’t ready yet.”
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