Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has urged for direct talks with China, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation to ensure peace amid growing global uncertainties.

Speaking to Taiwanese business leaders with investments in China, Lai highlighted the importance of cooperation, stating that both sides should prioritize the well-being of their people and tackle common challenges such as natural disasters.

"Especially at a time of multifold changes in the international situation, we should have a good dialogue and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait to achieve the goal of peace," Lai said.

However, he reaffirmed that Taiwan’s future must be determined by its people, rejecting Beijing’s demand that the island accept the "one China" principle. Lai emphasized that Taiwan remains open to talks on the basis of equality and without preconditions.

His remarks come as both Taiwan and China navigate tensions with the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on China and signaled potential trade measures affecting Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

While advocating for peace, Lai also stressed the need to strengthen Taiwan’s defense and align with other democracies. "Only with sovereignty is there the country. Only with Taiwan is there the Republic of China," he asserted, referring to the island’s official name.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has yet to respond to Lai’s call for dialogue. Beijing continues to view Taiwan as part of its territory and has ramped up military and political pressure on the island.

Taiwan remains a self-governing democracy, with its government tracing its roots back to the Republic of China, which retreated to the island in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War.