Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Vice President William Lai (賴清德) on Tuesday said he would maintain the “status quo” and pursue peace through strength if elected, remaining open to engagement with Beijing under the preconditions of equality and dignity.
Lai pledged to try to engage with China, saying that dialogue could decrease cross-straits risks, and that peaceful development is in the best interests of both sides and the world.
"Peace is priceless and war has no winners," Lai told reporters during an international news conference in which he appeared alongside his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴).
Photo: AFP
The event was attended by 217 representatives of 128 media outlets from 28 countries, the campaign said.
However, "accepting China's one-principle proposition is not true peace," Lai said. "Peace without sovereignty is just like Hong Kong. It is fake peace."
The DPP has emphasized in campaigns the need to win a legislative majority. If that does not happen, Lai said, it would be "very difficult" for Taiwan to respond to challenges from China as well as domestic issues.
Lai also said that if elected, Taiwan would continue to build up its defense deterrence amid geopolitical tensions.
"The pursuit of peace relies on strength, not the goodwill of the aggressor," Lai said, vowing to bolster Taiwan's military and economic strength.
Hsiao, Taiwan's former representative to the US, said that facing the restructuring of the global economy, Taiwan must maintain its competitiveness and key position in supply chains.
"In order for Taiwan's economic strength to grow, it is necessary to integrate with the world," Hsiao said.
Lai told reporters the election would serve as a "testament to our commitment to democracy," while also noting that China's alleged interference in this election has been the "most serious" yet.
Taiwan has cited military and economic pressure and fake news from China as evidence of its attempt to interfere in the election, and said it was documenting it and would publish its analysis soon after the vote.
Additional reporting by Chen Yun
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