In response to China's leader, Xi Jinping, asserting the "inevitability" of "reunification" with Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized on Monday that the nature of Taiwan's relations with China should be determined by the will of the people, and the foundation for peace should be grounded in "dignity."
As China intensifies military pressures to reinforce its sovereignty claims over Taiwan, which is set to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13, Xi's New Year's Eve address carried a more assertive tone than the previous year, where he mentioned people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait being "members of one and the same family."
During a New Year's press conference in Taipei, Tsai responded to Xi's speech, highlighting the utmost importance of democracy in deciding the course of relations with China. She stressed the democratic principle of taking into account the collective will of Taiwan's people in making decisions, emphasizing the nation's commitment to democracy.
Tsai urged China to respect the outcome of Taiwan's election, emphasizing the shared responsibility of both sides to uphold peace and stability in the strait. China has framed the election as a choice between war and peace, considering Tsai a separatist and rejecting multiple offers for talks.
In light of China's increased economic threats, Tsai advocated for Taiwan's companies to adopt a global and diversified approach, cautioning against reliance on China's unpredictable market. She expressed concerns about China's attempts to interfere in the election through various means, urging vigilance.
The president reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to peace but underscored the importance of maintaining dignity, drawing an analogy between home security measures and the nation's defenses. Tsai highlighted the need for healthy interactions across the strait, emphasizing that trade and economic exchanges should not be wielded as political tools.
Amid accusations from China regarding Vice President Lai Ching-te's alleged separatism, Tsai, along with both the ruling Democratic Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang, emphasized that the island's people alone have the right to determine their future. As Tsai concludes her two-term presidency in May, Taiwan braces for a transition in leadership following the upcoming elections.
