Taiwan’s presidential candidate from the Democratic Progressive Party has said that if she comes to power in the January elections, her government would have a responsibility to contribute to peace and stability in relations with mainland China.
Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. China regards Tsai’s party with suspicion because of its traditional pro-independence leanings.
Tsai Ing-wen called President Xi Jinping a “very determined person” and complimented his anti-corruption drive. She added that while many view Xi as tough and inflexible, he probably understands Taiwan better than most Chinese leaders because of his previous experience serving as governor of Fujian province, adjacent to the island.
During her 12-day, six-city visit to the United States of America, Tsai reassured US officials in Washington that victory for her Democratic Progressive Party won’t revive tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
If elected, I will push for peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait relations in accordance with the will of the Taiwanese people and the existing constitutional order.
– Tsai Ing-wen
The United States has welcomed improved relations in the democratic island’s relations with the Chinese mainland. The current Taiwanese government has promoted economic cooperation with Beijing, reducing the potential for conflict in a regional hotspot.
Tsai said she wanted to maintain the status quo in Taiwan-China relations, while intensifying Taiwan’s military relations with the United States and investing in “credible deterrence.” She said peace was in the interests of all parties, including Taiwan, China and the wider Asia region.
(With agency inputs.)
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