Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan must protect its democracy and avoid becoming part of China, speaking at his party’s annual convention on Sunday. He urged members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to oppose what he described as Beijing’s “red terror,” framing the threat as pressure and actions from China that, in his view, target Taiwan’s separate political identity. Lai also called on party members to remain vigilant even during peacetime, citing what he characterizes as China’s “legal warfare.” One example mentioned is China’s recently enacted ethnic unity law, which he says gives Beijing a further legal basis to take action against people it targets outside China. Taiwan’s concern is that the law could be used to pursue or arrest Taiwanese individuals Beijing calls separatists. China rejects criticism of the law and says its legal system does not apply outside its jurisdiction in ways that would legitimize Taiwanese fears, according to the reporting. Lai’s remarks reflect the DPP’s broader stance that Taiwan is distinct from China, a position Beijing opposes, saying Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.