[Politics] President: Taiwan Willing to Respond to G7's Call to Maintain Peace in Taiwan Strait, Urges China to Abandon Forceful Invasion
bellala 央廣5h ago
Regarding the statement from the "Group of Seven" (G7) Leaders' Summit emphasizing peace in the Taiwan Strait, President Lai Ching-te stated today (18th) during a press conference with international media that Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7's call and firmly cooperate with the international community to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The President also urged China to abandon its military expansion in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, and to abandon the use of force to attack Taiwan. He expressed that Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China under the principles of reciprocity and dignity to promote peaceful coexistence and prosperity. #Reported by Liu Yu-chiu#
President Lai Ching-te held a press conference with international media at the Taipei Guest House on the morning of the 18th. In his speech, the President stated that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections. Thirty years ago, the Taiwanese people bravely moved past 38 years of martial law, and without fear of China's missile threats, completed the direct presidential election, declaring to the international community that "sovereignty in Taiwan belongs to the people," "the future of Taiwan can only be decided by the 23 million people," and "the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan is not a part of the People's Republic of China." For the past 30 years, the Taiwanese people have decided the nation's future through their votes, and Taiwanese society has established the irreversibility of democracy through repeated peaceful transfers of power.
The President pointed out that Taiwan's achievements have been recognized by the international community. In global supply chains, advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes, AI applications, and computing power infrastructure, Taiwan has earned the trust of international partners. These achievements are sufficient proof that Taiwan embraces the world, adheres to democracy and freedom, and has created Taiwan's prosperous development.
The President also mentioned that the United States and Iran are about to sign a peace agreement, and peace in the Middle East is seeing a glimmer of hope. He sincerely hopes that the Russia-Ukraine war will also end as soon as possible, allowing the people of Ukraine to escape the suffering of war at an early date.
Regarding the developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the President stated that Taiwan is very grateful for the "Group of Seven" (G7) recent statement reiterating "not to allow any party to unilaterally change the status quo," especially opposing the use of force or coercion to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and opposing military expansion in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The President reiterated that Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7's call and cooperate with the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He also urged the Chinese Communist Party to abandon the use of force to invade Taiwan. The President said: "(Original sound) Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7's call and will firmly cooperate with the international community to maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We also call on China to abandon military expansion in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, and to abandon the use of force to attack Taiwan. Under the principles of reciprocity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peaceful coexistence and common prosperity."
It is understood that this press conference was initiated by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club (TFCC). After consultation, it was decided that the Presidential Office and TFCC would co-host the event in a relaxed tea-party format. The President delivered remarks upon arrival, followed by media questions. The Q&A session was originally scheduled for 40 minutes, but due to the enthusiastic response from 60 foreign media outlets from the US, Europe, Japan, and other countries, the President voluntarily extended the time. He even stayed to enjoy Taiwanese zongzi and tea snacks with the foreign media and presented them with limited edition mugwort soap for the Dragon Boat Festival at the end of the event.
Regarding why the press conference was held on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival, Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the President, on one hand, wished to personally thank the resident foreign correspondents for continuously reporting Taiwan's voice to the international community during this critical moment of global shifts and geopolitical changes, allowing the world to better understand Taiwan. On the other hand, he also hoped that the resident foreign correspondents could experience Taiwan's festive atmosphere amidst their busy work. Furthermore, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections, and Taiwan consistently walking the path of upholding freedom and democracy, it is particularly meaningful to share the President's stance and views on international affairs and regional changes with international media at this time. (Editor: Liu Hsiang-hua)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215250
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