Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China because there are no winners in war, but the authorities in Taipei must continue to strengthen the island's defense capabilities. This was stated by Taiwan President William Lai on the occasion of the first anniversary of his inauguration, Reuters reports.
China calls Lai a “separatist“ and rejects his proposals for talks. Lai, for his part, categorically rejects Beijing's claims to sovereignty over Taiwan, stressing that only the island's people can decide their future.
A Taiwanese government spokesman warned last week that it could not be ruled out that China would hold military exercises near the island to coincide with the anniversary of Lai's inauguration.
“The people of Taiwan love peace. I am also committed to peace because it is priceless. There is no winner in a war. But when it comes to the pursuit of peace, we cannot afford illusions or self-exaltation,“ the president told reporters.
He stressed that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its defenses, as this was the best way to prevent a possible military conflict.
“I once again state clearly - Taiwan is ready for exchanges and cooperation with China, if this is based on mutual respect for dignity. "We must replace restrictions with communication and confrontation with dialogue," Lai added.
For its part, China's Ministry of Defense accused Lai last week of being a "crisis maker in the Taiwan Strait" and that his actions had increased tensions and undermined peace and stability in the region.