[Source]
New Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has urged China to cease military and political threats and advocated peace and stability through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Most important points:
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Lai, who was sworn in on Monday, emphasized Taiwan’s sovereignty in his inauguration speech and reiterated the island’s commitment to defend its democracy and freedom.
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China criticized Lai’s speech for promoting separatism and stressed that Taiwan belongs and that Taiwan’s independence is “a dead end.”
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In addition to strengthening Taiwan’s defense, Lai also pledged to tackle economic challenges, strengthen the social safety net and advance key areas including artificial intelligence.
The details:
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Lai, 64, who previously served as vice president, succeeded the former president Tsai Ingwen after win a three-way race in January. He and new Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim took their oath of office on Monday, becoming Taiwan’s fifth pair of elected leaders.
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In his inauguration speechLai called on China to “cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan” and expressed hope that Beijing will “face the reality of the Chinese republic.” [Taiwan’s] exist.” Yet he continued to insist that his government “will honor the Four Commitments, and will neither concede nor provoke and maintain the status quo.”
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China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, has long expressed its intention to reunify with the island, using force if necessary. On the eve of Lai’s inauguration, seven Chinese aircraft and seven naval vessels were reportedly detected around Taiwan.
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While calling for dialogue over confrontation, Lai reiterated Taiwan’s resolve to defend itself “in the face of many threats and infiltration attempts from China.”
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In response, China denounced Lai’s speech for promoting “the fallacy of separatism.” Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Office of the Chinese State Council, said Beijing will “never tolerate or condone any form of separatist activities surrounding Taiwan’s independence” and that “both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China” regardless of who rules Taiwan.
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In addition to strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities, Lai also focuses on addressing economic challenges, strengthening the social safety net, continuing reform efforts, improving public safety and promoting key industries including AI. “We must do everything we can to speed up Taiwan’s transformation into an ‘AI island’,” he said.
Trending on NextShark: Taiwan’s new president tells China to stop threats and face the reality of Taipei’s existence
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