Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has called for dialog with China. According to reports by Reuters, Lai said on Monday that this was necessary given the changes in the international situation. Lai referred to the new Trump administration, which is putting pressure on both China and Taiwan. Trump recently announced tariffs against China and threatened similar measures against semiconductor imports, most of which come from Taiwan.
Lai stressed that only Taiwan’s citizens would decide on their own future. Taiwan expressly welcomes talks with China based on equality. He said the goal was peace and the well-being of the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan wants to join forces with other democracies to preserve its sovereignty.
China has yet to respond. The Chinese government regards Lai Ching-te as a separatist and urges Taiwan to recognize the „one-China policy.“ Lai and his government have so far refused: „Only with Taiwan is there the Republic of China,“ said Lai, alluding to Taiwan’s official name. ek