TAIPEI (Reuters – Taiwan’s President TsaiIng-wen has pledged to protect the country’s sovereignty, democracy, and independence in a speech that will be delivered on Sunday. He said it faced more difficult and serious challenges than ever before, as tensions have risen with China.

China claims Democratic Taiwan as its territory. Beijing has been increasing military and political pressure on Taiwan. This month, Beijing conducted four consecutive days of massive incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.

Tsai’s speech for Sunday’s national day was outlined by a source who had been briefed about its content. It stated that Taiwan is on the frontlines of defending democracy, and faced unprecedented complex and serious challenges.

Tsai will reaffirm Taiwan’s determination to protect itself and preserve regional stability and peace, as well as stress that Taiwan won’t “advance too quickly”.

She will insist that Taiwan cannot be retreated from when it comes down to its sovereignty.

Speaking earlier on Saturday in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to realise https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-says-reunification-with-taiwan-must-will-be-realised-2021-10-09 “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan and did not directly mention the use of force after the week of tensions with the island that sparked international concern.

Taiwan responded angrily to China’s speech by claiming that only Taiwanese have the right decide their future and decrying China’s coercive tactics.

China is refusing to talk to Tsai. She was reelected last year by overwhelming margins on the promise to uphold Beijing.

Tsai states that Taiwan is an autonomous country known as the Republic of China.

To make Taiwan more defensible to China, she has made Taiwan’s defenses the cornerstone of her government. China is currently pursuing an ambitious modernisation program of its military.

Tsai attended a Saturday night reception at Hsinchu Air Base in north Taiwan for the national day. She thanked the military forces for helping to protect the island.