Armed Conflict With China Is Not An Option, Says Taiwanese President

Armed conflict with China is "absolutely not an option," Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said on the occasion of the National Day Celebration of Taiwan. 

She also emphasised her desire to speak with Beijing and, simultaneously, to strengthen Taiwan's defence forces. 

Taiwan-China tensions have been at an all-time high since early August when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. Despite warnings from Chinese authorities, she went ahead with her plan and visited Taiwan. Since then, many US officials have also visited the self-proclaimed island nation. 

Further, Tsai expressed concern that China has upped its intimidation and threatened peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and region.

She said that China should not underestimate Taiwan or believe there is room for compromise in its people's devotion to democracy and freedom.

"I want to make it clear to the leadership seating in Beijing that armed conflict is not an option for our two sides but only by recognising the Taiwanese people's dedication to our sovereignty, democracy and freedom, which can be a foundation for resuming constructive dialogue across the Taiwan Strait,” she added.

According to her, Taiwan is increasing the production of precise missiles and high-performance navy vessels. She also stated that the Taiwan administration is seeking to import small, transportable weaponry to ensure that the island is fully equipped to respond to external military threats.

However, Beijing, which claims democratically run Taiwan as one of its provinces, has long promised to take control of the island state and has not ruled out using force to do so. Taiwan's administration firmly opposes China's claims to sovereignty over Taiwan and claims that only the island's 23 million people can decide its fate.

China has offered Taiwan a "one nation, two systems" model of autonomy comparable to Hong Kong's, but all mainstream political parties in Taiwan have rejected it.