China has no right to decide whether Taiwan is a country or not, given that we elect our own government, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lun said today, adding that he would be happy to shake the hand of his Chinese counterpart, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
China considers the democratically governed island to be its territory, is stepping up its military and political pressure, including by increasing its military maneuvers and saying that the island is a province of China that has no right to be called a country. Taiwan's President William Lai and his government have rejected these claims and have repeatedly offered to hold talks with China, which has refused, calling Lai a "separatist." Asked by Reuters what he would say to the Chinese foreign minister if they met, Lai said he would definitely shake his hand. Relations across the Taiwan Strait can be discussed, but we are all human. First, extend your hand in friendship. If the other side shakes it, that will be a good start," he said at a press conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. "If the other side refuses to shake your hand, that is their problem," he added. Taiwan's official name is the Republic of China, the name of the government that in 1949 fled to the island after losing a bloody civil war against Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China.
"Whether Taiwan is a country or not is not up to Wang Yi or the People's Republic of China. The whole world considers us a country. We elect our governments democratically. It's up to us what our name is," said William Lai.
The chances of Lai and Wang meeting are slim. Their governments do not recognize each other, representatives of China and Taiwan do not make reciprocal visits, and Taiwan is not a member of most international organizations because of China's opposition.
Yesterday, Lai again offered to negotiate with China, saying he wanted peace but also that the island needed to strengthen its defenses. China called this a "duplicitous tactic" and as "a waste of effort doomed to failure".
The Taiwanese government has warned that Beijing may mark the anniversary of Lai's inauguration with more military exercises.