War with China ‘absolutely not an option’: Taiwan president
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stated on Monday (Oct. 10) that war between Taiwan and China is “absolutely not an option.” She also reaffirmed her desire to hold talks with Beijing and promised to strengthen the island’s defences, especially with precision missiles.
Her most recent offer was once more rejected by China, who claimed the island was an integral part of its territory.
Democratic Taiwan, which China claims as its own, is coming under increased political and military pressure from Beijing, particularly in the wake of Chinese war games that took place in early August after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.
Given Taiwan’s dominant position as a producer of semiconductors used in everything from smartphones and tablets to fighter jets, any confrontation over Taiwan might involve the United States, Japan, and maybe much of the rest of the world. It could also devastate the global economy.
Tsai said it was “regrettable” that China has increased its intimidation and threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding area during her national day speech outside the presidential office under a grey sky.
According to her, China should not believe that Taiwan’s people are willing to compromise on their commitment to democracy and freedom.
“I want to make clear to the Beijing authorities that armed confrontation is absolutely not an option for our two sides. Only by respecting the commitment of the Taiwanese people to our sovereignty, democracy, and freedom can there be a foundation for resuming constructive interaction across the Taiwan Strait”, she added.
Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Taiwan is part of China, “has no president and is not an independent country”.
“The root cause of the current tensions in the Taiwan Strait lies in the Democratic Progressive Party authorities’ stubborn insistence on Taiwan independence and secession,” she said, referring to Taiwan’s ruling party. “We are willing to create a broad space for peaceful reunification, but we will never leave any space for Taiwan independence and secession activities”.
