Taipei: Taiwan President Lai Ching te has said that the future of Taiwan should only be decided by its people and not by outside powers, as tensions continue to rise between Taiwan and China amid growing international attention on the region.
Speaking during events marking the second anniversary of his presidency, Lai said Taiwan would continue defending its democratic system and way of life despite increasing pressure from Beijing. His remarks came at a sensitive time following recent high level talks between United States President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Lai stressed that Taiwan is already a self governed democratic society and said no external force has the right to decide its future. He added that the people of Taiwan alone should determine the island’s path ahead.
The Taiwanese leader also said he would explain Taiwan’s concerns directly to Trump if given the chance. According to Lai, China’s military pressure and activities around Taiwan are creating instability in the Taiwan Strait and increasing fears across the region.
His comments followed reports that Trump had indicated American military support and arms sales to Taiwan could become part of broader negotiations with China. The possibility has raised concern in Taiwan because the island depends heavily on military cooperation with the United States to strengthen its defence capabilities.
Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo said Taipei remains cautiously hopeful that military support from Washington will continue. He noted that Taiwan’s security partnerships are important for maintaining peace and balance in East Asia.
Over the past several years, the United States has approved billions of dollars in military assistance and weapons sales to Taiwan. The support includes advanced missile systems, aircraft equipment and defence technology aimed at helping Taiwan respond to growing military pressure from China.
China reacted strongly to Lai’s latest statements. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that reunification with the island is inevitable. Chinese officials accused Lai and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of promoting separatist ideas and increasing tensions.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticised Lai’s remarks and warned against any moves toward formal independence. Beijing has continued military drills and patrols near Taiwan in recent months, sending warships and fighter aircraft close to the island.
Taiwanese officials say these operations are designed to intimidate the island and put pressure on its government. Taiwan’s military has also increased surveillance and readiness in response to the growing activity.
Despite the tensions, Lai said Taiwan remains open to communication and dialogue with China, but only if discussions are based on equality and mutual respect. He said Taiwan wants peace and stability and has no intention of creating conflict.
However, Lai insisted that peace should not come at the expense of democracy or freedom. He said the people of Taiwan value their democratic rights and expect their government to protect them.
The issue of Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive subjects in relations between Washington and Beijing. China has repeatedly warned the United States against interfering in what it describes as an internal matter, while Washington continues to maintain unofficial relations and defence cooperation with Taiwan.
Political observers say Lai’s remarks were aimed at reassuring the Taiwanese public while also sending a message to the international community that Taiwan intends to stand firm against outside pressure.
The latest developments have once again highlighted how Taiwan remains at the centre of growing competition between the world’s major powers, with regional stability closely tied to how relations between China, Taiwan and the United States evolve in the coming months.