Cross-strait terminology confusion highlighted by Ko Wen-je

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Taiwan People's Party remarked on Friday (June 14)thatthe concepts of "both sides of the strait are not subordinate to each other" and "both countries are not subordinate to each other" might appear identical to many Americans.

However, he noted that individuals fluent in Chinese are able to discern the subtle differences.

Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) argued that the importance lies not in the statements themselves but in how they are addressed post-discussion. He advocated for a methodical, practical, and scientific approach to handling such matters responsibly.

Ko's statements came in response to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) recent remarks in Time Magazine, claiming that "the governments of Beijing and Taipei 'are not subordinate to each other.'"

During the interview, Lai mentioned that former Presidents Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) had also referred to this concept.

However, Director Hsiao Hsu-tsen (蕭旭岑) of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation (馬英九基金會) believes that Lai's concept of "both sides of the strait are not subordinate to each other" and "both countries are not subordinate to each other" are different. He questioned whether Lai is playing a word game.

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