Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has challenged China's territorial claims on Taiwan, suggesting that if China is genuinely concerned about territorial integrity, it should also seek to reclaim lands lost to Russia under the Treaty of Aigun.

Lai pointed out that while Beijing argues Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, it has shown no intention of reclaiming significant territory ceded to Russia, highlighting a double standard in China's approach to territorial integrity.

He further argued that reclaiming these lands from Russia would be feasible given the current geopolitical climate, particularly Russia's weakened state.

Lai emphasized that China's ambitions regarding Taiwan extend beyond mere territorial claims, framing them as part of a broader strategy to alter the rules-based international order and establish hegemony in the Western Pacific.

Since the late 1980s, Taiwan has transitioned to a democracy and asserts that its future should be determined by its people, not by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Under Xi Jinping's leadership, the CCP views Taiwan as a province of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve 'reunification'.

Wen-ti Sung, a China analyst, noted that China's lack of action regarding reclaiming land from Russia suggests that its ambitions towards Taiwan are not purely about territorial integrity.

Lai's comments were made during a local media interview where he highlighted China's inconsistent approach to territorial integrity.

He referenced the 1858 Treaty of Aigun, where China ceded land in present-day Russia, questioning China's commitment to its stated principles.

In response to Lai's remarks, China's Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its view that Taiwan has been Chinese territory for centuries, but did not comment directly on his statements.

As of now, the Chinese government has not publicly responded to Lai's remarks.

Historically, Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895 and later transferred to the Republic of China in 1945, following Japan's defeat in World War II.