The meaning of Taiwanese independence is that “Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China [PRC]” and that “the Republic of China [ROC] and the PRC are not subordinate to each other,” President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday.

Lai made the remarks at a youth forum for the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) 40th anniversary, and comes after US President Donald Trump warned against Taiwanese independence.

Trump, who wrapped up a state visit to Beijing on Friday, said in an interview that “I’m not looking to have somebody go independent.”

Sovereignty is the foundation of statehood, Lai said, adding that without Taiwan, there would be no ROC, as the ROC and Taiwan have become inseparable.

Without sovereignty, there would be no democracy, he said.

Regardless of how the international community refers to the nation, all terms refer to the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, he said, expressing hope that efforts would be made to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and democracy, and take care of its people.

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/05/18/2003857511

I mentioned earlier that the latest Taiwan passports have Taiwan in big letters and Republic of China in small letters in the seal.

On another note, I was able to attend a performance of the Formosa Melody Music Center Two nights ago (Saturday night). They were really good. The head of TECO (basically the unofficial embassy) was there and gave a little speech. At the end of the Formosa Music performance, they brought out a Taiwan flag and everyone cheered. LOL. (But, more than 50% of the audience was Taiwanese, so I guess natural reaction. 555)

Here is a general video of the Formosa Melody Music Center. At about 2 minutes, there is the "Taiwan guitar".