Taiwan’s Lai vows to ‘resist annexation’ of island
TAIPEI—Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed Thursday to “resist annexation,” as China exerts growing military and political pressure on the self-ruled island it claims as part of its territory.
China has not ruled out using force to bring the democratic island under its control, which Lai and his government oppose.
“I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty,” Lai said, speaking under gray skies in front of the Presidential Office during Taiwan’s National Day celebrations.
Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taiwan to accept its sovereignty claims and relations have remained tense under Lai, who took office in May.
Beijing accused Lai on Tuesday of “malicious intent to escalate hostility and confrontation” after he said China was not the “motherland” of Taiwan.
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