'Peace Relies On Strength, Not Goodwill Of Aggressor': Taiwan's Presidential Candidate Says 'Will Engage With China'

Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, and the island's presidential and legislative elections on Saturday are being framed as a choice between peace and conflict across the Taiwan Strait.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan's governing party's presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that if elected, he will maintain the status quo and promote peace through strength, while being open to interaction with Beijing under the preconditions of equality and dignity, news agency Reuters reported. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, and the island's presidential and legislative elections on Saturday are being framed as a choice between peace and conflict across the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing has labelled Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President Lai a separatist and warned that any attempt to push for Taiwan's official independence will result in warfare. Taiwan's administration denies China's claim to sovereignty.

Despite this, Lai committed to attempt to engage with China, emphasising that communication might reduce cross-strait threats and that peaceful development is in both sides' and the world's best interests.

Speaking at a press conference, Lai stated: "Peace is priceless and war has no winners."

However, "accepting China's one-principle proposition is not true peace," Lai said. "Peace without sovereignty is just like Hong Kong. It is fake peace."

Taiwan's major opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which has historically supported strong ties with China, has pledged to strengthening Taiwan's defences.

Both argue that only Taiwan's 23 million people can decide their fate, albeit the KMT is staunchly opposed to independence.

Throughout the campaign, the DPP has highlighted the need of obtaining a parliamentary majority. If that does not happen, Lai believes Taiwan would find it "very difficult" to respond to both Chinese and internal difficulties.

Lai emphasised that he will maintain the policy orientation of incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, who would have served a maximum of two terms. Tsai has frequently proposed discussions with China, but Beijing has refused since she is viewed as a separatist.

Lai also stated that if elected, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defensive deterrent in the face of geopolitical challenges. China's People's Liberation Army has significantly increased military drills surrounding Taiwan since the previous election in 2020.

"The pursuit of peace relies on strength, not the goodwill of the aggressor," Lai said, pledging to strengthen Taiwan's military and economic might.