Taipei wants 'healthy exchanges' with Beijing

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te said on January 1 that he welcomes equal, healthy and orderly exchanges with mainland China, according to Reuters.

Speaking at a press conference on New Year's Day, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said China was preventing normal interactions by restricting Chinese tourists from visiting or students from studying on the island, while similar restrictions do not apply to Taiwanese people traveling to China, according to Reuters.

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te delivers a New Year's speech in Taipei on January 1.

"But I still want to emphasize this: Taiwan hopes to have healthy and orderly exchanges with China based on the principles of reciprocity and respect," Lai said at a press conference.

Taiwan and China have repeatedly accused each other of restricting travel and movement. In June 2024, Taiwan authorities asked Taiwanese people not to travel to China unless absolutely necessary, after Beijing threatened to punish those seen as supporting Taiwan independence, according to Reuters.

In his New Year's address on December 31, 2024, ChinesePresident Xi Jinping declared that no one can stop China's "reunification" with Taiwan.

The Chinese military operates around Taiwan on a daily basis and last year held two drills near the island, according to Reuters.

Lai, who took office in May 2024, has repeatedly offered to negotiate with China but has been rebuffed, saying only the Taiwanese people can decide their future.

Also at the press conference, Mr. Lai said that cooperation between democracies needs to focus on defense and security, while strengthening "democratic supply chains".

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-bac-muon-trao-doi-lanh-manh-voi-bac-kinh-185250101180207566.htm