President: Seeking Equal Dignified Exchanges Without Sacrificing Sovereignty and Democratic Life

(CNA reporter Ye Suping, Wen Guixiang, Gao Huaxian, Taipei 20th) President Lai Ching‑de said today that Taiwan is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China on the principle of equality and dignity, but firmly rejects the United Front tactic of “re‑unification cloaked in peace”; “We cherish peace, but will not abandon freedom; we are willing to dialogue, but will not accept belittlement”. President Lai delivered his two‑year anniversary of governance speech at the Presidential Office in the morning, accompanied by Vice President Hsiao‑mei‑chin and Presidential Office Secretary‑General Pan Meng‑an. Lai stated that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and preventing external forces from altering the status quo is Taiwan’s national strategic goal. Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community, not a destabilizing party; Taiwan is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China on the principle of equality and dignity, while firmly rejecting the United Front tactic of “re‑unification cloaked in peace”. He noted that over the 30 years of direct presidential elections, the Taiwanese people have repeatedly proven to the world with their votes: “We cherish peace, but will not abandon freedom; we are willing to dialogue, but will not accept belittlement; we pursue stability, but will not sacrifice sovereignty and democratic way of life.” This is Taiwan’s bottom line and its clearest stance to the world. (Edited by Lin Shuyuan) 1150520 Choosing to stand with facts, every one of your contributions supports the defense of press freedom. Download the CNA “One‑Hand News” app to get the latest updates instantly. The text, images and video on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast publicly, transmitted publicly, or used without permission.