Richard Sanders, Phnom Penh
President William Lai said yesterday that China should stop military expansion in the South China Sea, East China Sea and Taiwan Strait, and abandon any threat of force against Taiwan.
Speaking at a reception for foreign correspondents in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan remains willing to engage with China on the basis of equality and dignity to pursue peaceful and mutually beneficial development.
Lai also marked the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, saying the vote showed that Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its 23 million people. He said Taiwan’s democratic progress, peaceful transfers of power and economic achievements have strengthened its standing in the international community.
He thanked the Group of Seven for opposing unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and rejecting coercion in the region. Lai also said he hopes the United States will approve a proposed US$14 billion arms sale soon, while reiterating Taiwan’s rejection of unification with China.
