Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te reiterated his openness to work with China to establish "peace" between both sides, following China’s military exercises around the island after his inauguration speech. Lai, who has been labeled a "dangerous separatist" by Beijing, was sworn in as the new leader of the self-governing island on Monday. Three days later, the Chinese military commenced drills encircling Taiwan with military ships and aircraft, vowing to "shed blood" against what it described as "forces of independence" on the island.
The exercises ensued after Lai's inauguration speech, which China condemned as an "acknowledgment of independence." On Sunday, the Taiwanese president emphasized that his speech highlighted that "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is essential for global security and prosperity."
He stated during an event with his Democratic Progressive Party in southern Taiwan, "I also urged China to bear the important responsibility for regional stability jointly with Taiwan." He added, "I look forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation through exchanges and cooperation with China, moving towards a state of peace and mutual prosperity."
He noted that "any nation that causes unrest in the Taiwan Strait and affects regional stability will not be accepted by the international community." China considers Taiwan a part of its territory that it has yet to reunify with the mainland since the end of the civil war and the rise of the Communist Party in 1949. While Beijing asserts that it prefers a "peaceful" reunification with the island, which is home to 23 million people and operates under a democratic system, it has not ruled out the use of force if necessary to achieve this goal.
Two days after the completion of the Chinese military drills, Taiwan's defense ministry announced on Sunday that seven Chinese aircraft, 14 military ships, and four coast guard vessels were "operating around" the island over a 24-hour period that ended at 6 a.m. (GMT 22:00 Saturday).
