“In addition to military force, (China) has increasingly used non-traditional methods of coercion to try to subdue Taiwan,” Lai declared on the occasion of his first month in office.
“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.
China has intensified military and political pressure on the Taipei government in recent years, including military games around the island three days into Lai’s government.
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“Punishment”
According to Beijing, the war games were a “punishment” for Lai’s inaugural speech, which it 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 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.
Lai thanked Washington for its support and reiterated the need to develop “resilience” in Taiwan’s 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 president.
China has called Lai a “dangerous separatist.”
