In recent years, Beijing has increased its military and political influence on Taiwan, starting war games days after Lai’s opening, which encircle the area with marine and fighter jets.
Taiwan’s government has been making reports of missions by fighter planes and drones around the island as well as near-daily sightings of Taiwanese ships around its waters.
But Lai said China’s “military expansionism” was taking place somewhere, pointing to Beijing’s joint activities with Russia in the South China Sea, Western Pacific and Sea of Japan.
” For actions are intended to intimidate China’s neighbours and undermine local serenity and stability”, he said.
” Taiwan will not be intimidated. We may assume all accountability for preserving stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Lai has constantly pressed for talks with Beijing, but they have successfully stalled since the election of his lone rival, Tsai Ing-wen, who has for years asserted that Taiwan is not a part of China.
” Taiwan may neither offer nor provoke… On the condition of equality and respect, we are willing to perform markets and cooperate with China”, Lai reiterated Wednesday.