In New Year’s speech, Taiwan president again reaches out to China for talks
Taiwan is ready to have “meaningful” talks with China as equals as long as they are willing to put aside confrontation, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday, offering another olive branch to Beijing in her New Year’s speech.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app
Democratic Taiwan, claimed by China as its sovereign territory, has come under increasing pressure from Beijing, which has ramped up military activity near the island.
Read more:
Taiwan’s Tsai says will not “yield an inch” as anti-China jet flights double
China on alert, tracks US Navy warship’s passage through Taiwan Strait
Taiwan tells China to ‘back off’ in marine boundary standoff
China says it is responding to “collusion” between Washington and Taipei, angered at growing US support for the self-governed island. Beijing views this a precursor to Taiwan declaring formal independence, a red line for China.
Speaking at the presidential office, Tsai said that in the past year, Chinese military activity near Taiwan has threatened peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“I want to reiterate, that when it comes to cross-strait relations we will not advance rashly and will stick to our principles,” Tsai said.
“As long as the Beijing authorities are determined to defuse antagonism and improve cross-strait relations, in line with the principles of reciprocity and dignity, we are willing to jointly promote meaningful dialogue,” she added, echoing comments she made in October in her national day speech.
China, which cut off a formal talks mechanism in 2016 after she first won office, has repeatedly rejected Tsai’s advances, saying she has to first accept Taiwan is part of China, something Tsai has refused to do.
Tsai expressed her hope that once the COVID-19 epidemic is under control, “normal and orderly exchanges to increase understanding and reduce misunderstandings” between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait can resume.
While there was no direct response from Beijing, Liu Jieyi, the head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said in his new year’s message they would stand by the “one China” principle.
“Only by eliminating the scourge of ‘Taiwan independence’ can there be peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” he said.
Switching to English, Tsai said she was deeply grateful for the international community’s continued backing for Taiwan.
“Our democracy is stronger because of your support.”
-
US warships sail through Taiwan Strait, prompting Chinese anger at ‘show of force’
Two US warships sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on Thursday drawing protest from Beijing, the second such mission this month and coming ... World News -
Trump signs law bolstering support for Taiwan and Tibet, angering China
China expressed anger on Monday after US President Donald Trump signed into law measures to further bolster support for Taiwan and Tibet, which had ... World News -
China lashes out at US over Hong Kong sanctions, Taiwan arms sale
China on Tuesday lashed out at the US over new sanctions against Chinese officials and the sale of more military equipment to Taiwan.The US actions ... World News -
Taiwan begins building submarine fleet in the face of threats from Beijing
Taiwan began construction on a fleet of indigenous submarines on Tuesday, the latest move by the out-gunned island to bolster its defenses against ... World News -
China says US sends out wrong signals to Taiwan on potential drone sale
China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday the United States has sent out wrong and grave signals to the so-called Taiwan military forces on the ... World News -
Taiwan says new US arms purchases will boost its defense
Taiwan said Tuesday that recent proposed US sales of missiles and other arms systems will boost the island’s ability to credibly defend itself, amid ... World News -
China will impose sanctions on US companies supplying Taiwan with arms
China will impose sanctions on US companies including Boeing and Lockheed Martin for supplying weapons to rival Taiwan, a foreign ministry spokesman ... World News -
US approves sale of air-to-ground missiles to Taiwan
The US government on Wednesday said it had approved the sale of $1 billion worth of advanced air-to-ground missiles to Taiwan as the island tries to ... World News -
Taiwan tells China to ‘back off’ in marine boundary standoff
Taiwan on Tuesday demanded that China “back off” and accused it of threatening peace, after a Beijing official rejected a largely respected marine ... World News -
Taiwan’s Tsai says will not “yield an inch” as anti-China jet flights double
Taiwan will not “yield an inch” in defending itself, President Tsai Ing-wen warned on Tuesday, as new figures revealed the island is scrambling ... World News