10-10-2023 (TAIPEI) President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan has expressed the country’s desire for “peaceful coexistence” with China, emphasizing the importance of free and unrestricted interactions between the people of both sides. In her final national day speech before the upcoming elections in January, Tsai extended yet another olive branch to Beijing.
Taiwan, a democratic nation, is claimed by China as its own territory and has faced mounting military and political pressure from Beijing. This includes two major sets of Chinese war games conducted near the island since August of the previous year. Despite these challenges, Tsai has consistently offered talks with China, only to be rejected due to China’s perception of her as a separatist.
Addressing the crowd in front of the presidential office, Tsai highlighted the unprecedented level of international support that Taiwan has received. She stated, “Since we are now able to face the world with confidence and determination, we can also approach China with calmness and self-assurance, creating an environment for peaceful coexistence and future developments across the Taiwan Strait.”
Tsai emphasized her duty to safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty and its democratic way of life, aiming for “free, unrestricted, and unburdened interactions” between the people of Taiwan and China. She stressed the importance of peacefully resolving differences and maintaining the status quo as critical elements for ensuring peace.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. Beijing insists that Taiwan’s government must accept the concept of “one China,” which Tsai has consistently refused to do.
