[Politics] President: Taiwan Willing to Respond to G7 Call to Maintain Taiwan Strait Peace, Urges China to Abandon Military Threat
bella@@ 央廣 新聞3h ago
Regarding the statement by the Group of Seven (G7) leaders emphasizing the importance of 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 current state 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 give up its intention to attack Taiwan by force. He stated that Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China under the principles of reciprocity and dignity to promote peaceful coexistence and shared 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 mentioned 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 despite the threat of Chinese missiles, they successfully held direct presidential elections, declaring to the international community that "sovereignty in Taiwan belongs to the people," "the future of Taiwan can only be decided by its 23 million people," and that "the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China." For the past 30 years, the people of Taiwan 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, AI applications, and computing power development, Taiwan has earned the trust of its international partners. These achievements are sufficient proof that Taiwan embraces the world, adheres to democracy and freedom, and has created its own prosperity and development.
The President also mentioned the upcoming peace agreement between the United States and Iran, seeing a glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East. 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.
Regarding developments in the Indo-Pacific region, the President stated that Taiwan is very grateful for the recent statement by the Group of Seven (G7) that "no party should unilaterally change the status quo," especially their opposition to changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force or coercion, and their opposition to 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 its intention to attack Taiwan by force. 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 current state of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We also call on 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. Under the principles of reciprocity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity development."
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 the TFCC would co-host the event in a relaxed tea reception format. Upon arrival, the President delivered a speech, 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 dragon boat festival-themed mugwort soap at the end of the reception.
Regarding why the press conference was held just before the Dragon Boat Festival, Presidential Office Spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui stated that the President wished to personally thank the foreign correspondents stationed in Taiwan for continuously reporting Taiwan's voice to the international community during this critical moment of global and geopolitical changes, allowing the world to better understand Taiwan. On the other hand, she also hoped that the foreign correspondents could feel 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 the 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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