Yimou and Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI, Reuters -Taiwan is determined to keep its borders afloat so that China does not force Taiwan to follow the path it has set for itself, said President TsaiIngwen Sunday in a sharp rebuke to Beijing.

China has claimed Taiwan as its sovereign territory. Taiwan faces increasing political and military pressure to submit to Beijing’s authority, which includes multiple Chinese air force operations in Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.

Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on Saturday to realise “peaceful reunification https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-says-reunification-with-taiwan-must-will-be-realised-2021-10-09” with Taiwan and did not directly mention the use of force. Taipei was furious at his remarks, saying that Taiwan’s citizens can determine its destiny.

Tsai addressed a National Day rally and stated that she hopes for an end to tensions in Taiwan Strait. She also reiterated Taiwan’s commitment not to act “rashly”.

In a speech at the central Taipei presidential office, she stated that “But it should not be absolutely believed that Taiwanese people would bow to pressure.”

Tsai stated, “We will continue strengthening our national defence and demonstrating our determination to protect ourselves to ensure Taiwan doesn’t follow the China-imposed path”.

“This is because China’s current path offers Taiwan neither freedom and democracy, nor sovereignity for its 23 million inhabitants.

China offers Taiwan “one nation, two system” autonomy, similar to what it has with Hong Kong. But all major Taiwanese parties reject that model, especially since China’s security crackdowns in former British colony.

Tsai made a second offer to China, but Beijing didn’t respond immediately to her address.

Beijing refused to negotiate with her. She called her a separatist, refusing to recognize Taiwan as part of China and Taiwan’s government.

Tsai states that Taiwan is an independent state called the Republic of China.

She said that Taiwan will continue to show goodwill towards China and will work hard to keep the status quo from being altered unilaterally.

Tsai stated that Taiwan’s current situation was “more complicated and fluid than any other time in the last 72 years” and that China’s regular military presence within Taiwan’s air defense zone has gravely affected aviation safety and national security.

Her task is to oversee a program of military modernisation that will strengthen China’s defenses and deterrence. This includes building submarines and long range missiles capable of striking deep into China.

Tsai was responsible for the National Day Parade, which saw fighter jets flying above the Presidential Office and trucks-mounted missile launchers passing right in front of her.

Tsai stated that Taiwan remains on the frontlines to defend democracy.

China is putting more pressure on us the harder we work. All my fellow citizens need to know that they do not have the luxury of being complacent.