In the midst of heightened tensions with China, which has increased military pressure on the democratically-governed island, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen promised to uphold the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait on Saturday.
In a speech honoring the seventh anniversary of her rule, Tsai vowed that Taiwan would not provoke and would not submit to Chinese coercion.
Since Tsai assumed office in 2016, China, which claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to seize control of the island if necessary, has increased diplomatic and military pressure to compel Taiwan to recognize Chinese sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Tsai has repeatedly vowed to defend Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
“War is not an option. Neither side can unilaterally change the status quo with non-peaceful means,” Tsai said. “Maintaining the status quo of peace and stability is the consensus for both the world and Taiwan.”
“Although Taiwan is surrounded by risks, it is by no means a risk maker. We are a responsible risk manager and Taiwan will stand together with democratic countries and communities around the world to jointly defuse the risks,” she said.
In a speech honoring the seventh anniversary of her rule, Tsai vowed that Taiwan would not provoke and would not submit to Chinese coercion.
Since Tsai assumed office in 2016, China, which claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to seize control of the island if necessary, has increased diplomatic and military pressure to compel Taiwan to recognize Chinese sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Tsai has repeatedly vowed to defend Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
“War is not an option. Neither side can unilaterally change the status quo with non-peaceful means,” Tsai said. “Maintaining the status quo of peace and stability is the consensus for both the world and Taiwan.”
“Although Taiwan is surrounded by risks, it is by no means a risk maker. We are a responsible risk manager and Taiwan will stand together with democratic countries and communities around the world to jointly defuse the risks,” she said.
