Taiwan’s president said Sunday he remains open to working with China on “mutual understanding and reconciliation.” This comes after Beijing’s military drills following his inauguration speech.
President Lai Ching-te was sworn into office on Monday, and China — which claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and regards Lai as a “dangerous separatist” — launched military games around the island three days later.
Fighter jets, naval vessels, and coast guard ships encircled Taiwan until Friday night, practicing seizure, as Chinese military analysts said.
Lai emphasized in his May 20 speech that “peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait” are crucial for global security and prosperity.
During an event with his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in southern Tainan, he urged China to cooperate in regional stability.
“I also look forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation through exchanges and cooperation with China… and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity.”
He added that “any country making waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability will not be accepted by the international community”.
Before his inauguration, Lai sought to resume communication with Beijing, disrupted since Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency began in 2016.
Moreover, the international community has closely monitored Taiwan-China relations, given their global significance. The president’s statement has therefore garnered widespread attention and interest. By prioritizing Taiwan China peace, Taiwan sends a clear signal of its desire for harmonious coexistence.
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