Taiwan does not want China's "one country, two systems" model. The country must uphold its freedom and democracy, and be determined to defend itself, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said, quoted by Reuters.
China said earlier this week that it does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification with Taiwan, taking a much tougher tone. Beijing had previously promised good governance if the self-governing island were to return to China under a system of autonomy used for Hong Kong and Macau.
Lai, who China considers a separatist, noted that only force can bring true peace. "Accepting the aggressor's claims and giving up sovereignty certainly cannot achieve peace. Therefore, we must maintain the status quo with dignity and determination, firmly opposing annexation, aggression and the forcible advance of unification," he said.
Taiwan rejects the "one country, two systems" model and will uphold its free and democratic constitutional system, he said. No major political party in Taiwan supports China's "one country, two systems" idea, Lai Ching-te added.
He stressed that Taiwan's sovereignty cannot be violated or annexed, and its future can only be decided by its people. "The Taiwanese people, who defend their sovereignty and preserve their democratic and free way of life, should not be seen as a provocation. Investing in national defense is an investment in peace," Lai Ching-te added.