Taiwan will not provoke confrontation with China. We do not seek conflict. This was stated by the country's Vice President Xiao Bi-him, quoted by the Associated Press.
She indicated that the Taiwanese government calls on Beijing to communicate "with equality and respect". According to her, there has been an increase in China's provocative and proactive efforts to infiltrate, sabotage and divide society recently.
China views self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it, by force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has stepped up its military activity, frequently sending ships and aircraft near the island.
Taiwan's vice president noted that over the years she has been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and threats, intimidation, including sanctions. However, she said this will not stop her from expressing the opinions of the Taiwanese people and being active internationally.
Regarding repeated US intelligence reports that China may be planning an invasion of Taiwan before 2027, Xiao said her government is focused on preventing it. "Everything we are doing right now is to prevent such a conflict - not just in 2027, but forever", she explained. The vice president added that Taiwan is investing in defense to thwart any attempt to disrupt peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.