Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized on Saturday the challenges faced by the island in maintaining freedom and democracy under China’s increasing military and diplomatic pressure.

President Tsai said in his New Year’s speech: “The pursuit of democracy and freedom is not a crime, and Taiwan’s support for Hong Kong will not change. In addition to expressing our concerns, we will cherish our hard-won freedom and deeper democracy.”

Tsai Ing-wen said: “We will make Taiwan better and show the world that democratic Taiwan has the courage to step out of the shadow of authoritarian China. We will not succumb to pressure.”

Even after decades of independent governance, China continues to treat Taiwan as a separate province. Taipei has resisted Chinese aggression by strengthening its strategic ties with democratic countries including the United States, although Beijing continues to threaten “Taiwan independence” through war. Its freedom, democracy and consensus are connected to the world.

“Continuing our global participation, maintaining our economic momentum, strengthening our social safety net and safeguarding our national sovereignty are the four pillars of our stable governance plan in 2022,” Taiwan Focus quoted her as saying.

China said in a belligerent tone on Thursday that it dispatched more than 940 fighter jets for routine exercises, which is more than what the Taiwan authorities said.

The official media “Global Times” reported that China’s Ministry of National Defense, in response to the DPP’s recent claim that the mainland had carried out 940 fighters off Taiwan Island this year, said: “The People’s Liberation Army has sent more than DPP authorities to routine exercises near Taiwan. More fighters revealed.”

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times