Taiwan: President Lai to China: ‘We want peace, but we will not give up our freedom’
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it back under its control. Taipei, on the other hand, rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty
Taiwan wants peace, but is not prepared to give up its freedom. This was the message delivered by President Lai Ching-te in his National Day speech, whilst tensions with Beijing remain high and Chinese military and political pressure on the island is mounting.
“We are open to dialogue, but we will not accept subordination,” said Lai, emphasising that strengthening Taiwan’s defences does not constitute a provocation. The increase in military spending, he explained, is intended to deter war and to ensure that any dialogue with Beijing takes place “on a basis of equality and dignity”.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it back under its control. Taipei, on the other hand, rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty.
At the same time, Washington also took a tougher line. The US State Department described China’s maritime activities off the east coast of Taiwan – where Beijing has stepped up patrols in recent months – as ‘deeply destabilising’.
The United States has called on China to cease its pressure and to engage in dialogue with the island’s democratically elected authorities.
