Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called on China to cease its military expansion in the South and East China Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and refrain from using force against Taiwan. Lai emphasized Taiwan’s readiness for equal and dignified exchanges to promote peaceful and mutually beneficial relations. He highlighted Taiwan’s historic direct presidential election 30 years ago, asserting the island’s sovereignty and the people’s right to determine its future.
Lai Ching-te underscored that Taiwan and China are independent entities, with Taiwan not being a part of China, expressing gratitude to G7 leaders for their stance against unilateral attempts to alter the Taiwan Strait’s status quo through force or coercion. The G7 leaders reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region governed by the rule of law, opposing any unilateral changes in the East and South China Seas and the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing peaceful dialogue as the solution.
China’s intensified military activities near Taiwan have raised concerns, as China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and advocates reunification by force if necessary. Despite China’s efforts, Taiwan, with strong public support, continues to defend its sovereignty and respond to Chinese provocations.
