The president said on October 8 that autonomous Taiwan would protect its freedom from external threats at all costs, including threats from its huge neighbor China.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen said at the annual Yushan Forum in Taipei, “peaceful, stable, predictable and mutually beneficial neighbors, as tensions with China increased and alarms were ringing around the world. I hope to coexist with you. “
“But Taiwan also does whatever it takes to protect its freedom and democratic way of life,” Tsai said to her. speech..
Virtually independent Taiwan has its own military, democratically elected government, and constitution. However, the island, which China claims to be its territory, sees China’s aggression at an unprecedented rate.
From October 1st to October 5th, Beijing sent 150 Air Force aircraft to Taiwan’s air defenses for five consecutive days, according to a central news agency operated by the Taiwanese government.
China’s aggression has raised concerns for several US lawmakers, including Senator Lisa Murkowski (Republican).
“This latest action by China, which threatens Taiwan, reveals that China intends a hostile and provocative relationship with Taiwan, its supporters, and those who respect individual freedom. “Murkowski said in a press release on October 7.
“If the United States represents democracy, free trade, personal and civil liberties, we must stay firmly behind Taiwan with our allies,” Senator said.
According to a local newspaper, the event on Friday brought together international speakers and Asian leaders from 10 countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia and France. Taiwan News.. Participants discussed regional security issues as well as how to establish social resilience ahead of the post-pandemic era.
“Taiwan may be small in territory, but it has proven to have a large regional presence. [in the Indo-Pacific]”Taiwan is” fully committed “to working with countries to achieve regional prosperity,” she said.
Taiwan is seeking help from other democracies as the conflict with China worsens, and has welcomed four French senators and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott this week.
Taipei too signature Memorandum of Understanding with Washington in March to establish a Working Group of the Coast Guard.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Rita Lee is a reporter for The Epoch Times, focusing on topics related to China. She started writing the Chinese version in 2018.