Latest news with #ChinaTaiwanRelations
CNA
20-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
China slams 'separatist' Taiwan leader on one year in office: State media
BEIJING: China slammed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday (May 20) for his "separatist position" promoting independence, calling it "doomed to fail", state broadcaster CCTV said. "The recent speeches of the leader of the Taiwan region ... continue to adhere to the separatist position of 'Taiwan independence'," Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office, said according to CCTV. Lai, a staunch defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and detested by Beijing, spoke on Tuesday of the need "to prepare for war to avoid war" and bolster the island's economic resilience. "Peace is priceless and there are no winners in war," Lai said in a speech marking his first year in office. But he added "we cannot have illusions" and vowed "to strengthen our national defence capabilities". China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, has threatened to to annex it by force and has held several rounds of large-scale military drills around the island since Lai took office. Lai insisted in his speech that Taiwan was "willing" to communicate with Beijing if there was "parity and dignity". China said on Tuesday it was "willing to engage in dialogue" with Taiwan - with conditions. "On the basis of the one-China principle, we are willing to engage in dialogue ... on issues relevant to promoting the reunification of the motherland," Beijing's spokesperson Chen said.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Taiwan wants peace, talks with China but must strengthen defences, says president
Taiwan's defence ministry said in the past 24 hours it had detected six Chinese planes and 11 vessels near the island. (AP pic) TAIPEI : Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China as war has no winners, but the government must continue to strengthen the island's defences, President Lai Ching-te said today as he completed one year in office. China calls Lai a 'separatist' and has rebuffed his multiple offers for talks. Lai rejects China's sovereignty claims over the democratic and separately governed island, saying only Taiwan's people can decide their future. A government spokesman said last week that Taiwan could not rule out the possibility that China could mark the anniversary with military drills. Speaking to reporters at the presidential office in central Taipei, Lai said Taiwan's people loved peace. 'I, too, am committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war has no winners. But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions,' he said. 'Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defences as preparing for war is the best way to avoid it,' Lai added. 'I also reiterate here – Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. 'Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation,' he added. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China's defence ministry last week said Lai was a 'Taiwan Strait crisis maker' who had increased antagonism and confrontation and undermined peace and stability. Last month, China held war games code-named 'Strait Thunder-2025A' around Taiwan, the 'A' at its end suggesting there could be more to come. China called its May 2024 drills just after Lai took office 'Joint Sword-2024A', and in October of that year staged 'Joint Sword-2024B'. In a daily report detailing Chinese military activities, Taiwan's defence ministry said in the past 24 hours it had detected six Chinese planes and 11 vessels near the island.
