CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN'S NATIONAL DAY SPEECH DOESN'T MENTION "CHINESE PRESIDENT" BUT REFERS ONLY TO "THE LEADER ACROSS THE STRAIT"

Taiwan President Tsai ing-wen's National Day speech (October 10) in its penultimate section on International Relations included the comment For some time we have all been paying close attention to changes in regional security. From sovereignty disputes in the South and East China Seas and the China-India border conflict to developments in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the "Hong Kong version of the National Security Law" that has garnered international concern, it is clear that democracy, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific are currently facing serious challenges. Countries in this region have forged various alliances to ensure that their national security and democratic systems are not affected by external influences. This has already caused unprecedented changes to the region." She also pointed to "the leader across the Strait" publicly stating in a video message to the United Nations General Assembly "that China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or a sphere of influence" and said "we hope this is the beginning of genuine change" and "if Beijing can heed Taiwan's voice, change the way it handles cross-strait relations, and jointly facilitate cross-strait reconciliation and peaceful dialogue, I believe that regional tension can surely be resolved". Reiterating Taiwan's determination to stand firm, she also said "As long as the Beijing authorities are willing to resolve antagonisms and improve cross-strait relations, while parity and dignity are maintained, we are willing to work together to facilitate meaningful dialogue. This is what the people of Taiwan advocate, and it is a cross-party consensus."







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