Taiwan VP Advocates Peace Amid China Tensions

Taipei (Taiwan), Jul 18 (AP) – Taiwan's Vice President emphasized on Friday that the island nation remains committed to peaceful relations with China, despite ongoing tensions spurred by Beijing's military maneuvers. She highlighted Taiwan's resolve against provoking any conflict, while calling for communication based on "parity and respect."

Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, serving under President Lai Ching-te, voiced concern over the "dramatic increase" in what she describes as the Chinese Communist Party's aggressive attempts to infiltrate, sabotage, and create divisions within Taiwan. China's stance, claiming Taiwan as its territory and threatening annexation by force if necessary, has been underscored by frequent military threats including routine air and naval deployments near the island.

Despite these provocations, direct communication between Hsiao, Lai, and Chinese officials remains nonexistent, with Beijing labeling them as "diehard Taiwan independence separatists," a designation accompanied by threats of severe punishment.

Last month, Czech intelligence officials cited a failed Chinese effort to intimidate Hsiao during her future visit in 2024 by potentially staging a car accident. Although no accident occurred, tensions were evident when a Chinese official ran a red light while tailing Hsiao’s convoy.

Hsiao expressed steadfastness in the face of ongoing pressure, pledging not to be silenced or deterred by intimidating tactics, including previous sanctions against her. She reaffirmed Taiwan's active engagement with the international community.

Responding to recurring U.S. intelligence forecasts of a potential Chinese invasion before 2027, Hsiao stated that Taiwan is taking proactive steps to avert such scenarios indefinitely.

Taiwan is urgently enhancing its self-defense capabilities to prevent "any miscalculation and attempts to destabilize peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," she concluded. (AP)

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