Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called on China to cease its aggressive posturing and avoid unilateral actions, as Beijing is expected to conduct military exercises in response to Lai’s recent diplomatic tour in the Pacific.
Speaking on the final day of his trip in Palau on Friday, Lai criticized China’s reliance on military drills to assert dominance. “It’s better to open your hands than to clench your fists,” Lai said, urging Beijing to embrace a rules-based international order. “China will not win the respect of any country through intimidation and military provocations.”
Lai’s Pacific tour included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, which drew sharp criticism from Beijing, labeling Lai as a “separatist” and condemning his engagements with US officials. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, is reportedly preparing another round of military exercises around Taiwan following Lai’s trip.
In response to the anticipated drills, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s preparedness to ensure security in the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from China. “Taiwan’s engagement with the world should not serve as an excuse for provocation by authoritarian countries,” Lai asserted.
Despite Beijing’s disdain for him, Lai reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to dialogue and peace while rejecting China’s sovereignty claims. He stressed that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its own people and reaffirmed the island’s right to global engagement.
Lai acknowledged the need for strong defenses, warning that peace is fragile and “there are no winners in war.” He repeated this sentiment in Hawaii, where he visited a memorial to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.
China has already conducted two rounds of war games near Taiwan this year, following key events in Taiwan’s political calendar.
Lai also expressed optimism about strengthening Taiwan-US relations despite recent remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who had criticized Taiwan during his campaign. “Taiwan enjoys bipartisan support in the US and is confident in deepening cooperation with the incoming administration,” Lai said, emphasizing unity against authoritarianism.
