Taiwan – China relations to be decided by Taiwanese people

Taiwan’s relations with China must be decided by its people and the peace must be based on “dignity” said President Tsai Ing-Wen.

She said that in response to Chinese President Xi Jinping message that China – Taiwan reunification is inevitable.

Beijing has been raising military pressure against Taiwan which is due to have it presidential and parliamentary elections on 13 Jan.

In the New Year Eve address, Xi described described people of China and Taiwan as members of one and the same family

“This is taking the joint will of Taiwan’s people to make a decision. After all, we are a democratic country,” Tsai said.

Tsai added that China should respect the outcome of Taiwan’s election and it is the responsibility of both sides to maintain peace and stability in the strait.

China has depicted Taiwan’s election as a choice between war and peace and has refused multiple offers of talks by Tsai, as they believed that she is a separatist.

Taiwan’s government has repeatedly warned China is trying to interfere in the election, whether by using fake news or military or trade pressure.

Reuters reported that China has taken particular exception to current Vice President Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate for Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Party (DPP) and who is leading in opinion polls by varying margin.

Both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition Kuomintang are together in their resolve to allow Taiwanese people to decide the future of Taiwan.