War with China ‘absolutely not an option’, says Taiwan president
By SkyNews
October 10th, 2022
President Tsai Ing-wen, in her national day speech, says it’s “regrettable” that China had escalated its intimidation and threatened peace and stability in the region.
Armed confrontation between Taiwan and China is “absolutely not an option”, Taiwan’s president has said.
In her national day speech, Tsai Ing-wen pledged to boost the island’s defences and reiterated her willingness to talk to Beijing.
She said Taiwan was ramping up production of precision missiles and high-performance naval vessels, and working to acquire small, highly mobile weapons that would ensure it’s ready for “external military threats”.
President Tsai said it was “regrettable” that China had escalated its intimidation and threatened peace and stability in the region.
Taiwan has come under increasing pressure from China, especially after war games in early August following a controversial visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Beijing insists that Taiwan – which has a democratic system – is part of China and must be returned to the ‘motherland’.
