Taiwan Rejects China's Rule for Freedom

KINMEN, Taiwan — During a visit to the Kinmen Islands, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te emphasized the island's desire to maintain its democratic way of life and reject any rule from China's Communist Party. This visit marked the 66th anniversary of a significant clash with Chinese forces, known as the beginning of the second Taiwan Strait crisis. Lai expressed hopes for peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait, asserting that Taiwan is a nation that values peace and kindness, and he affirmed that the island is no longer focused on reclaiming the mainland. Shortly after Lai's visit, Taiwan's defense ministry reported the detection of 27 Chinese military aircraft conducting a "joint combat readiness patrol" in the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taiwan to monitor the situation closely. Lai reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening its military capabilities to defend Taiwan's sovereignty, despite China's view of Taiwan as part of its territory. He has been labeled a "separatist" by Beijing but maintains that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future. In a broader context, Lai highlighted the need for democratic nations to unite against China's growing authoritarianism, which he believes poses a threat beyond Taiwan. He noted a decrease in Taiwan's economic reliance on China, advocating for collective action to uphold democratic values. Additionally, Lai called for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of international support for the island's sovereignty and democratic status.