Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, has pledged to maintain peace and stability between Taiwan and China amidst increased military pressure from China. In a speech marking the seventh anniversary of her governance, Tsai vowed that Taiwan would not provoke China nor would it bow to Chinese pressure.
China has considered Taiwan as its own and has threatened to bring the island under its control if necessary. Since Tsai took office in 2016, Beijing has increased military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan to force the island to accept Chinese sovereignty. Tsai has repeatedly vowed to defend Taiwan's freedom and democracy and has refused calls for talks from Beijing.
In her speech, Tsai emphasized that war is not an option and that neither side can unilaterally change the status quo with non-peaceful means. She also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, which is the consensus for both the world and Taiwan.
Taiwan officials are currently in discussions with the Biden administration on sending $500 million worth of weapons aid to Taiwan. The aid is meant to address deliveries of weapons that have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan is also gearing up for a key presidential election in mid-January, with China tensions expected to top the campaign agenda.
Representing Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party for the key vote in mid-January, New Taipei City mayor Hou Yu-ih said that Taiwan faces a choice between "peace and war" under Tsai's rule. He vowed to keep regional stability through unspecified "dialogue and exchanges." The KMT, which favors close ties with China, has framed the 2024 vote as a choice between war and peace.
In response to the opposition's stance on the elections, Tsai emphasized that maintaining peace should be the consensus for all political parties in Taiwan. She also stated that one should not "sell the fears of war for election gains."
In conclusion, Tsai's speech highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability between Taiwan and China, as well as the global importance of Taiwan's supply chain. The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan will likely continue to be centered around the issue of China-Taiwan relations and maintaining peace.