Taiwan President: "Dialogue Across the Strait Is Essential... Depends on China"

China Must Properly Recognize Taiwan's Existence
China's Ambitions Revealed at Victory Day Parade

The pro-U.S. and pro-independence President of Taiwan stated, "Dialogue across the Taiwan Strait (between China and Taiwan) depends entirely on China."

Yonhap News Agency

On September 8, the Liberty Times reported that President Lai Ching-te, in a recent interview with the newspaper, expressed this position regarding dialogue with China and emphasized that both sides of the strait must engage in talks.

He stressed that Taiwan and China should replace confrontation and blockade with dialogue and exchange, and instead work together to respond to common threats such as natural disasters and epidemics. He further stated that the method of dialogue across the strait depends entirely on China's mindset.

President Lai explained that China's economic development so far has been possible thanks to investment from Taiwan, and that China should recognize the goodwill of the Taiwanese people who have helped during difficult times.

He also said that if China properly acknowledges the existence of Taiwan and faces the will of the Taiwanese people, many issues could be resolved more easily.

President Lai emphasized that Taiwan's highest goal is peace, but true peace can only be achieved on the foundation of strength.

To this end, he explained that war must be avoided by increasing the national defense budget so that defense spending reaches 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) before 2030.

President Lai pointed out that through the military parade held on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, China demonstrated its military power, and the United States and the international community witnessed China's ambitions to challenge the democratic world.

He added that such actions not only fail to gain support from Taiwan but could also provoke backlash from the international community, and he hopes China will change its strategy.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory under the "One China" principle. However, since taking office last year, the pro-U.S. and pro-independence President Lai has been at odds with the Chinese government.