Taiwan’s new president tells China to stop threats and ‘face the reality’ of Taipei’s existence

[Source]

Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, urged China to cease military and political threats, upholding peace and stability through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Key points:

• Lai, who took office on Monday, emphasized Taiwanthe country’s sovereignty in his inauguration speech and reiterated the island’s commitment to defending its democracy and freedom.

• China criticized Lai’s speech as promoting separatism, insisting that Taiwan belongs to him and that Taiwan’s independence is “a dead end.”

• In addition to bolstering Taiwan’s defenses, Lai pledged to address economic challenges, improve the social safety net, and help advance key areas, including artificial intelligence.

The details:

• Lai, 64, who previously served as vice president, succeeded former president Tsai Ing-wen after winning a three-way race in January. He and new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim were sworn in on Monday, becoming leaders of Taiwan. fifth pair of elected leaders.

• In his inauguration speechLai called on China to “cease political and military intimidation against Taiwan” and expressed hope that Beijing would “face the reality of the Republic of China.” [Taiwan’s] existence.” Still, he stated that his government “will defend the Four commitmentsit does not give in or provoke and maintains the status quo.”

• China, which views Taiwan as a renegade province, has long expressed its intention to reunite with the island, using force if necessary. On the eve of Lai’s inauguration, seven Chinese aircraft and seven warships were reportedly detected around Taiwan.

• Although he called for dialogue rather than confrontation, Lai reiterated Taiwan’s determination to defend itself “in the face of China’s many threats and infiltration attempts.”

• In response, China criticized Lai’s speech for promoting “the fallacy of separatism.” Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, he said Beijing “will never condone or condone any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities” and that “both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to a China”Regardless of who governs Taiwan.

• In addition to strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities, Lai is focused on tackling economic issues, improving the social safety net, continuing reform efforts, improving public security and promoting key industries, including AI. “We must do everything we can to accelerate Taiwan’s transformation into an ‘AI island,’” he said.

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