Latest news with #TaiwanForeignCorrespondents'Club
Asahi Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Asahi Shimbun
Taiwan will 'not provoke confrontation' with China, vice president says
TAIPEI—Taiwan will not provoke a confrontation with China, the self-ruled island's vice president said Friday, lamenting Beijing's 'aggressive military posturing' against the island democracy that China claims as its own. 'We do not seek conflict. We will not provoke confrontation,' said Bi-khim Hsiao, adding that her government has urged Beijing to communicate 'with parity and respect.' Hsiao, who has served under Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te since their election win last year, said her government has seen 'a dramatic uptick in provocative and proactive CCP efforts to infiltrate, sabotage and divide our society," referring to the Chinese Communist Party. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it, by force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up its military intimidation of the island, sending jets and ships nearby almost daily. China refuses to speak with Hsiao and Lai and has labeled them 'diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists,' a designation for which it has threatened the death penalty. In a notable attempt of alleged intimidation by Beijing, Czech intelligence officials last month said Chinese diplomats planned to stage a car crash during Hsiao's 2024 visit to the country. No crash occurred, but a Chinese official ran a red light while following Hsiao's car. Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Taipei, Hsiao said she has experienced 'varying degrees of pressure and threats' over the years, including sanctions by China. 'But I will not let that intimidate me or stop me from voicing my views or from voicing the views of the people of Taiwan, and we will continue to be active in the international community,' she said. Regarding recurring U.S. intelligence reports that China may be planning to invade Taiwan before 2027, Hsiao said her government is focused on preempting that. 'Everything we are doing right now is to prevent such a conflict from happening — not just in 2027, but ever,' she said. Taiwan is 'very urgently investing in our self-defense capabilities' in order to deter 'any miscalculation and any attempt at disrupting the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,' she added. Taiwan on Friday wrapped up annual military drills, which simulated defenses against a possible invasion by China. The drills included fortifying ports and possible Chinese landing points on the island, as well as civil defense exercises. Taiwan sources most of its weapons from the United States, which is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Like most countries, the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as country, but acts as its main unofficial ally. Washington supports preserving the status quo in Taipei's relationship with Beijing, which means neither side should make a move toward independence or annexation, respectively. Taiwan's relationship with the U.S. is 'very important' and has historically held through different administrations while garnering bipartisan congressional support, Hsiao said. Trade negotiators from the two sides are working 'around the clock' to reach a deal that would pre-empt tariffs of 32% on all Taiwanese goods from coming into effect Aug. 1, she said. Washington lowered tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 10% for 90 days to allow for the trade talks. The tariffs are part of duties President Donald Trump levied against nearly all U.S. trading partners beginning in April, accusing them of running large trade surpluses.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Taiwan will ‘not provoke confrontation' with China, vice president says
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan will not provoke a confrontation with China, the self-ruled island's vice president said Friday, lamenting Beijing's 'aggressive military posturing' against the island democracy that China claims as its own. 'We do not seek conflict. We will not provoke confrontation,' said Bi-khim Hsiao, adding that her government has urged Beijing to communicate 'with parity and respect.' Hsiao, who has served under Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te since their election win last year, said her government has seen 'a dramatic uptick in provocative and proactive CCP efforts to infiltrate, sabotage and divide our society,' referring to the Chinese Communist Party. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it, by force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up its military intimidation of the island, sending jets and ships nearby almost daily. China refuses to speak with Hsiao and Lai and has labeled them 'diehard 'Taiwan independence' separatists,' a designation for which it has threatened the death penalty. In a notable attempt of alleged intimidation by Beijing, Czech intelligence officials last month said Chinese diplomats planned to stage a car crash during Hsiao's 2024 visit to the country. No crash occurred, but a Chinese official ran a red light while following Hsiao's car. Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Taipei, Hsiao said she has experienced 'varying degrees of pressure and threats' over the years, including sanctions by China. 'But I will not let that intimidate me or stop me from voicing my views or from voicing the views of the people of Taiwan, and we will continue to be active in the international community,' she said. Regarding recurring U.S. intelligence reports that China may be planning to invade Taiwan before 2027, Hsiao said her government is focused on preempting that. 'Everything we are doing right now is to prevent such a conflict from happening — not just in 2027, but ever,' she said. Taiwan is 'very urgently investing in our self-defense capabilities' in order to deter 'any miscalculation and any attempt at disrupting the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,' she added. Taiwan on Friday wrapped up annual military drills, which simulated defenses against a possible invasion by China. The drills included fortifying ports and possible Chinese landing points on the island, as well as civil defense exercises. Taiwan sources most of its weapons from the United States, which is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself. Like most countries, the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as country, but acts as its main unofficial ally. Washington supports preserving the status quo in Taipei's relationship with Beijing, which means neither side should make a move toward independence or annexation, respectively. Taiwan's relationship with the U.S. is 'very important' and has historically held through different administrations while garnering bipartisan congressional support, Hsiao said. Trade negotiators from the two sides are working 'around the clock' to reach a deal that would pre-empt tariffs of 32 per cent on all Taiwanese goods from coming into effect Aug. 1, she said. Washington lowered tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 10 per cent for 90 days to allow for the trade talks. The tariffs are part of duties U.S. President Donald Trump levied against nearly all U.S. trading partners beginning in April, accusing them of running large trade surpluses. Simina Mistreanu, The Associated Press
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Peace-loving' Taiwan doesn't seek conflict with China
Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation and Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing was counterproductive, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim says. China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Taiwan's government disputes China's claim. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in the capital Taipei, Hsiao said Chinese pressure on Taiwan had only escalated in the past few years but the island's people were peace-loving. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said on Friday, reiterating Lai's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. For decades, Taiwan's people and business had contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which had only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment, Hsiao said. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," she said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." In 2023, China put sanctions on Hsiao for the second time, but they have little practical effect as senior Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and Chinese law has no jurisdiction on the entirely separately governed island. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rebuffed. China has staged at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan since 2022. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that whatever Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party said or did, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China". Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation and Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing was counterproductive, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim says. China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Taiwan's government disputes China's claim. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in the capital Taipei, Hsiao said Chinese pressure on Taiwan had only escalated in the past few years but the island's people were peace-loving. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said on Friday, reiterating Lai's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. For decades, Taiwan's people and business had contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which had only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment, Hsiao said. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," she said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." In 2023, China put sanctions on Hsiao for the second time, but they have little practical effect as senior Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and Chinese law has no jurisdiction on the entirely separately governed island. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rebuffed. China has staged at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan since 2022. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that whatever Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party said or did, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China". Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation and Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing was counterproductive, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim says. China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Taiwan's government disputes China's claim. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in the capital Taipei, Hsiao said Chinese pressure on Taiwan had only escalated in the past few years but the island's people were peace-loving. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said on Friday, reiterating Lai's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. For decades, Taiwan's people and business had contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which had only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment, Hsiao said. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," she said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." In 2023, China put sanctions on Hsiao for the second time, but they have little practical effect as senior Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and Chinese law has no jurisdiction on the entirely separately governed island. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rebuffed. China has staged at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan since 2022. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that whatever Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party said or did, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China". Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation and Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing was counterproductive, Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim says. China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Taiwan's government disputes China's claim. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in the capital Taipei, Hsiao said Chinese pressure on Taiwan had only escalated in the past few years but the island's people were peace-loving. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said on Friday, reiterating Lai's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. For decades, Taiwan's people and business had contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which had only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment, Hsiao said. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," she said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." In 2023, China put sanctions on Hsiao for the second time, but they have little practical effect as senior Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and Chinese law has no jurisdiction on the entirely separately governed island. Lai has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rebuffed. China has staged at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan since 2022. In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that whatever Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party said or did, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China".
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
'We will not provoke confrontation': Taiwan slams China's ‘aggressive' military posturing, calls for talks
Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim on Friday said Taipei does not want a conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation, but warned that Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing is counterproductive. Chinese pressure on Taiwan had escalated over the past few years, but the island's people were peace-loving, Hsiao said while talking to the media at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Taipei. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said, reiterating President Lai Ching-te's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. The dispute between the two nations involves China's claim over democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory. Beijing also called President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". The Taiwanese president has repeatedly offered talks with China, but has been rebuffed. Since 2022, Beijing has staged at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan. Hsiao further said for decades Taiwan's people and business have contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which has been possible only in a peaceful and stable environment. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," the vice president said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." In 2023, China imposed sanctions on Hsiao for the second time, but they have little practical effect as senior Taiwanese officials do not travel to China and Chinese law has no jurisdiction over the entirely separately governed island. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian in Beijing said whatever Taiwan's governing Democratic Progressive Party said or did, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China". On the Taiwan-United States tariff talks, Hsiao said: "With the United States, our negotiators are literally working around the clock to strive to reach an agreement on reciprocal tariffs to achieve trade balance while also promoting further bilateral cooperation in technology, investments and other areas." Taiwan , a major semiconductor producer, is facing challenges following US President Donald Trump's April announcement that the island would be subject to a 32 per cent tariff, which was subsequently suspended to facilitate talks.
MTV Lebanon
4 days ago
- Business
- MTV Lebanon
18 Jul 2025 11:41 AM Taiwan does not seek conflict with China
Taiwan does not seek conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation, but Beijing's "aggressive" military posturing was counterproductive, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said on Friday. China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "separatist". Taiwan's government disputes China's claim. Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in the capital Taipei, Hsiao said that Chinese pressure on Taiwan had only escalated over the past few years but that the island's people were peace-loving. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she said, reiterating Lai's offer of talks between Taipei and Beijing. For decades, Taiwan's people and business have contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which has only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment, Hsiao added. "Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity," she said. "Defending the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region." Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, is facing another international challenge at the moment - tariff talks with the United States. Taiwan remains in negotiations with Washington, following U.S. President Donald Trump's April announcement that the island would be subject to a 32% tariff, which was subsequently suspended to facilitate talks. "With the United States, our negotiators are literally working around the clock to strive to reach an agreement on reciprocal tariffs to achieve trade balance while also promoting further bilateral cooperation in technology, investments and other areas," Hsiao said.
