Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defense so that no Taiwanese is forced to bow down to the path that China has set with no freedom and democracy, President Tsai Ing-wen said in a strong counter to Taiwan’s National Day to Beijing.
According to a Reuters report, China has always been claiming the island country of Taiwan. This claim has led Taiwan to accept China’s authority under much military and political pressure, such as repeated Chinese Air Force missions in Taiwan’s air defense identification area.
Earlier on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke of achieving “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan. In response to its statement, Taipei responded strongly by explicitly directing that only Taiwanese would decide its future, not China.
Addressing a rally on Taiwan’s National Day, President Tsai said Taiwan would not act in haste. She adds, however, that “there should be absolutely no illusion that the people of Taiwan will succumb to pressure.”
“We will continue to strengthen our national defense and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves to ensure that no one finds Taiwan on the path set for us by China,” Tsai was quoted as saying by Reuters in its report. Can’t force you to walk.”
“This is because the path China has taken does not provide a free and democratic lifestyle for Taiwan nor sovereignty for our 23 million people,” she adds.
(with inputs from Reuters)
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