(Adnkronos) – “External forces” must not decide Taiwan’s future, and “fear or division” must not influence Taipei. This was stated by the island’s president, William Lai (Lai Ching-te), in his speech two years after the start of his mandate, in which he affirmed – as reported by the Cna agency – that Taiwan is ready for dialogue with China under conditions of “equality” and “dignity” and contested “unification attempts disguised” as words of “peace”.
Taiwan, a de facto independent island that claims its democracy, is under constant political and military pressure from China, which considers it a “rebel province” to be “reunified.” The spotlight returned to the island last week, during Donald Trump’s visit to China. The tycoon said he had spoken “a lot” about Taiwan with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The island, with a handful of allies worldwide, has always had the US as its main international supporter. If the United States were not to manage the Taiwan issue “appropriately,” the US and China could enter into “conflict,” Xi warned the American president.
“Taiwan must become a country capable of protecting itself,” Lai affirmed. “This is my commitment to the people of Taiwan, and Taiwan must demonstrate this determination to the international community.” “Taiwan’s future must not be decided by external forces, nor held hostage by fear, division, or short-term gains,” the president further stated. “Taiwan’s future must be collectively decided by its 23 million inhabitants.”
