https://arab.news/9zwym
- China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, and has in recent years stepped up military and political pressure against Tsai Ing-wen鈥檚 administration
TAIPEI: Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday that democracy had thrived on the island despite increased Chinese pressure, and vowed that its people would remain 鈥渇ree for generations.鈥�
China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory, and has in recent years stepped up military and political pressure against Tsai鈥檚 administration.
Taiwan sees near-daily Chinese warplanes incursions around the island, while on the international stage, Beijing has poached its diplomatic allies in a bid to isolate it.
Tsai, speaking Tuesday in a National Day speech, said it was her duty to 鈥渟afeguard our national sovereignty and the democratic and free way of life鈥� of Taiwan鈥檚 23 million people.
鈥淚n the midst of tremendous internal and external pressures, Taiwan鈥檚 democracy has grown and thrived... and we have emerged with even greater resilience,鈥� she said.
鈥淭o protect Taiwan鈥檚 democracy is to protect the universal value of democracy.鈥�
鈥淭he Taiwanese people,鈥� she added, 鈥渨ill be a democratic and free people for generations to come.鈥�
In the past year, Beijing has run massive war games around the island, carrying out simulations of a blockade that have raised the worries of Tsai鈥檚 administration 鈥� as well as key allies such as the United States.
The leader 鈥� who is hated by Beijing due to her refusal to recognize China鈥檚 claim on Taiwan 鈥� is in her final year of office, unable to run for president again due to the island鈥檚 two-term limit.
Taiwan will hold national elections in January, with Tsai鈥檚 deputy Lai Ching-te the current front runner for the poll.