Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, and there must be respect for the right of Taiwan's people to exist, President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday in a National Day speech, adding that boosting defences is not a provocation, APA reports citing Reuters.
Beijing quickly denounced the speech, saying it "distorts the truth" and reveals "ulterior motives."
Peace cannot rely solely on "wishes", Lai said outside the Presidential Office. "Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom. We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination."
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