AFP Agency
6/18/2024 11:53 p.m. – UPDATED 6/18/2024 11:53 PM
The president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-testated on Wednesday that the self-governed island will stand firm in the face of pressure from China.
“In addition to military force, (China) has increasingly employed non-traditional methods of coercion to try to subdue Taiwan”Lai declared during a press conference marking his first month in office.
LOOK HERE: The countries that spend the most on nuclear weapons and how China is expanding its atomic arsenal faster than anyone
“However, Taiwan will not bow to pressure. The people of Taiwan will resolutely defend their national sovereignty and maintain their democratic and free way of life”he added.
In recent years, China has intensified military and political pressure on the government of Taipeiincluding military games around the island three days into Lai’s government.
According to Beijingthe war games were a “punishment” for Lai’s inaugural speech, which he described as a “Taiwan independence confession”.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to regain it.
While, USA announced on Tuesday the approval of two arms sales to Taiwan, including $300 million in drones and $60.2 million in various equipment, such as precision-guided missiles.
MORE INFORMATION: US “open to more talks with China” to reduce tensions between the two
Lai on Wednesday thanked Washington for the support and reiterated the need to develop “resilience” in Taiwanese defense strategy.
“The people of Taiwan love peace and are kind to others, but peace must be backed by strength. Achieving peace through preparation is the way to avoid conflict“said the ruler.
China has called Lai a “dangerous separatist”.
According to the criteria of
Know more
