Dialogue on equal terms

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TAIPEI: Taiwan is willing to talk to China on equal footing but will continue to strengthen its defences, President Lai Ching-te said yesterday on his first anniversary in office.

Lai reiterated his offer to engage with Beijing “with parity and dignity,” while warning against “illusions” about China’s intentions. “Peace is priceless, but we must prepare for war to avoid war,” he said, pledging deeper cooperation with international allies and stronger economic resilience.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has rejected Lai’s overtures and stepped up military pressure. 

Hours before Lai’s remarks, Taiwan’s coast guard detained two Chinese nationals attempting to enter Kinmen and warned of “cognitive warfare” aimed at undermining morale.

Lai announced plans to create a sovereign wealth fund and reduce overreliance on any single market, amid US pressure to relocate manufacturing. “We won’t put all our eggs in one basket,” he said.

At home, Lai faces a combative parliament led by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), which has called him a “dictator.” Lai offered national security briefings to ease tensions, but KMT said one meeting wouldn’t solve deep divisions.

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His approval rating has fallen to 45.9 per cent, with disapproval rising amid criticism of US tariff handling and a DPP-led recall drive targeting opposition lawmakers. – AFP

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