Taiwan replied to China's reunification calls as President Tsai Ing-wen said on Sunday that her government would not "bow to pressure" from Beijing.
Speaking at a rally celebrating Taiwan's National Day, Tsai said the island nation is "willing to do its part to contribute to the peaceful development of the region" but would not compromise its independence.
China’s Xi says ‘reunification’ with Taiwan ‘will be realised’ https://t.co/7gOrr2rL93 pic.twitter.com/5GIxvbOquO
— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@hkfp) October 9, 2021
"We hope for an easing of cross-strait relations and will not act rashly, but there should be absolutely no illusions that the Taiwanese people will bow to pressure," she said.
Sunday's celebration also included a parade of Taiwan's defense capabilities showcasing a range of weaponry such as armored vehicles, fighter jets and helicopters.
"We will continue to bolster our national defense and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves in order to ensure that nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us," said Tsai.
The comments came after Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday said "reunification" with Taiwan "must be fulfilled" in a "peaceful manner" while delivering a speech marking the 110th anniversary of the revolution that overthrew China's last imperial dynasty.
"No one should underestimate the Chinese people's staunch determination, firm will, and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Xi said.
Ma Xiaoguag, a spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said Tsai's speech incited confrontation and distorted facts.
China's President Xi Jinping vows Taiwan ‘reunification’ amid repeated incursions of its air zone, but holds off on threat of force https://t.co/R1ERttV9C9 pic.twitter.com/2rkrPJq7Pc
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 9, 2021
"Taiwan is part of China. Although the two sides of the strait have not yet been completely reunified since 1949, the fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China has never changed and cannot be changed," he said. "China's sovereignty and territories have never been divided and will never be allowed to be divided."
The exchange of words comes as China has recently escalated encroachments into Taiwan's airspace with dozens of Chinese military planes having flown into the Taiwan air defense identification zone last weekend, according to Taiwan's defense ministry.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
