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Taiwan's new president calls on China to stop threats

2024-05-20 09:59:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Taiwan's new president calls on China to stop threats

The President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged China on Monday to stop its military and political threats, saying that peace is the only solution and that Beijing must respect the choice of the Taiwanese people.

Lai, addressing a crowd outside the presidential office in downtown Taipei in his inaugural address, reiterated his call for talks with China.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased threats to annex it by force if necessary.

"I also want to call on China to stop threatening Taiwan politically and militarily, and to assume the global responsibility for Taiwan to work diligently to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the region, to ensure that the world is not afraid of the outbreak of war", he said.

Lai added that “we want to say this to the world: Taiwan does not compromise on democracy and freedom. Peace is the only option and prosperity is our goal for long-term peace and stability."

Taiwan is facing pressure from China, which has also maintained regular naval and air activity near the island since Lai, 64, was appointed president in January.

Lai, who has been vice president for the past four years, said people must be realistic about the threat from China and that Taiwan must demonstrate its commitment to defending itself.

"Before China gives up using force to occupy Taiwan, citizens must understand this: Even if we accept all of China's claims and give up sovereignty, China's intentions to annex Taiwan will not disappear." , he added.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said in Monday's daily report on China's military activities that six Chinese warplanes crossed the middle line of the Taiwan Strait, which has served as an unofficial border line in the past.

China says it no longer recognizes this border line.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai on her appointment, saying the United States looks forward to working with her to "advance our shared interests and values, deepen our informal informal relationship, and preserve peace and stability along the Taiwan Strait"./REL