Taiwan’s president blames China’s actions for blocking cross-strait talks

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reiterated that his/her government is ready for peaceful and respectful exchanges with China, but stressed that Beijing’s actions are blocking progress, Voice of America reports. .

In his/her first New Year address after taking office in May 2024, Lai said Taiwan wants healthy and orderly exchanges with China, but only under the principle of mutual respect. he/she criticized China for trying to undermine Taiwan’s democracy and called these efforts “counterproductive” and harmful to confidence building between the two sides.

As Voice of America reports, Lai pointed out that China is actively restricting civil society exchanges by barring Chinese tourists and students from visiting Taiwan. he/she argued that these actions, rather than Taiwan’s policies, are the real obstacle to dialogue and understanding between the two sides.

Lai further stressed that peace in the Taiwan Strait is vital to security in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. he/she said Taiwan should continue to strengthen its defense and be prepared for potential threats even during peaceful times, VOA News reported.

Lai’s comments come amid increased military pressure from China, which has conducted several military exercises near Taiwan since Lai took office. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has promised to reunify the island by force if necessary. In a New Year’s speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s determination to reunite with Taiwan, calling it an irreversible “trend of the times,” VOA News reported.

Experts suggest Lai is working to frame Taiwan’s position as part of a broader global conflict between democracy and authoritarianism. By aligning China with other authoritarian regimes, Lai aims to strengthen international support for Taiwan and promote its de facto independence. However, analysts believe that this stance is unlikely to ease Beijing’s pressure on Taiwan any time soon.

According to VOA News report, Ziqun Zhu, an expert on Chinese foreign policy at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, said, “Lai has focused on strengthening Taiwan’s ability to deter Beijing’s aggression, countering information and cognitive warfare, and Taiwan’s defense.” Highlighted the importance of increasing the budget and promoting it.” military power.”