BEIJING (Dispatches) – China has denounced Taiwan’s national day speech, during which President Tsai Ing-wen said her government will not bow down to pressure from Beijing and will continue to bolster the island’s defenses in order to protect it.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said on Sunday that Tsai’s speech incited confrontation and distorted facts, adding that seeking Taiwan independence closes the door to dialogue. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province.
Tsai’s strong words on Sunday came a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping promised once again to realize “peaceful reunification” with the self-ruled territory.
“No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s strong determination, will and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xi had said.
Speaking earlier on Sunday, Tsai said Taiwan will keep bolstering its defenses to ensure nobody can force the island to accept the path China has laid down.
The speech was followed by the parading of a range of weaponry, including missile launchers and armored vehicles, while fighter jets and helicopters soared overhead.
The show was followed by a group of CM32 tanks and trucks carrying missile systems.
Known formally as the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan is an island that lies about 161km (100 miles) off the coast of mainland China.
China claims Taiwan as part of its national territory, although the island has been self-ruled since it split from the communist-ruled mainland in 1949 after a long civil war.
The 65-year-old President Tsai is considered a separatist by Beijing for her refusal to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of “one China”. Beijing has pledged to bring the island under its control.