China should have the confidence to talk to Taiwan’s legally elected government, President-elect Lai Ching-te said on Thursday as he named his new national security and diplomacy team amid what he called unprecedented challenges. .
China, which considers Taiwan, a democratically governed country, to be its own territory despite the island’s strong objections, has increased military and political pressure against Taipei over the past four years, seeking to press sovereignty claims.
Lai, who will take office on May 20, is particularly disliked by Beijing, which sees him as a dangerous separatist. Lai offered several times to talk to China but was rejected.
The challenge the new national security team is facing is unprecedented given rising authoritarianism and constant pressure from China, Lai told reporters as he announced the teams, made up of people from the current government.
He also offered again to talk to Beijing.
“I look forward to China having the confidence to engage with the elected and legitimate government that the people of Taiwan have trusted. This is the right path for cross-Strait exchanges,” he said.
Beijing has repeatedly said that any talks can only take place if Taiwan’s government accepts that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of “one China”, which is supported by the opposition KMT party but rejected by Lai and the president Tsai Ing-wen.
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Tags: China confidence talk Taiwan presidentelect
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