Taiwan’s Lai offers peace with China but says island must strengthen defenses

TAIPEI — Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China but the government must continue to strengthen the island’s defenses, President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday as he completed one year in office.

China calls Mr. Lai a “separatist” and has rebuffed his multiple offers for talks. Mr. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims over the democratic and separately governed island, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

The government has warned that Beijing could mark the anniversary with military drills but speaking to reporters at the presidential office in central Taipei, Mr. Lai offered a message of peace.

“I, too, am committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war has no winners. But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions,” he said.

Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defenses as preparing for war is the best way to avoid it, Mr. Lai added.

“I also reiterate here — Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation.”

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China’s defense ministry last week said Mr. Lai was a “Taiwan Strait crisis maker” who had increased antagonism and confrontation and undermined peace and stability.

Mr. Lai also faces a challenge from possible US tariffs, currently on pause, and said talks with Washington were continuing “smoothly.”

The government also plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost the tech-focused economy, he added.

“The government will set up a sovereign fund to create a national investment platform, making full use of Taiwan’s industrial strengths, led by the government, in collaboration with the strengths of private enterprises,” Mr. Lai said, without giving details.

After finishing his media event, Mr. Lai attended the opening ceremony for the ongoing Computex trade show, where Taiwan-born Jensen Huang, the chief executive officer of artificial intelligence darling Nvidia is the star attraction.

Mr. Lai visited the booths of Nvidia suppliers and partners, including Foxconn and Mediatek, chatting with senior executives there. — Reuters