11/21/2017

TAIWAN SEEKS PEACE

Taiwan president Tsai Ingwan pledged one Tuesday last to bolster the island's military but added  it will not ''seek war'' amid tensions with its biggest rival China.

Cross-strait relations have rapidly deteriorated since Tsai took office last May, with Beijing cutting all official communications with Taipei as it does not trust her traditionally pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party.

The two sides split after a civil war in 1949 but China still sees self-governing Taiwan as a wayward province to be brought back from into its fold, by force if necessary.

Tsai made the remarks one last Tuesday in a national address at a National Day Celebration her second since taking office last year.

Taiwan is committed to build its own military jets and submarines, and should be prepared for  increasing cybersecurity and espionage risks, she said.

Troop morale and soldier benefits must also be improved, Tsai said. ''Although we are strengthening our military capabilities, we do not seek war,'' she said.

''We remain committed to maintaining peace and stability both in the Taiwan Strait and across the region.''

Tsai also called on Beijing to find ''new modes'' for cross-strait interactions.

China has repeatedly said Tsai must acknowledge both sides are part of ''one China'' for dialogue to resume, but the Taiwan leader has refused to do so.

Beijing has ramped-up pressure on Tsai by sailing its sole aircraft carrier and flying jets near the island during military exercises.

''Although the political differences between the two sides have led to some complications, we have nevertheless worked to maintain the basic stability of cross-strait relations.'' Tsai said and adding that:

''Taipei will not ''bow to pressure''.

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