[Politics] Foreign media highly concerned about Taiwan issue; President Lai's tea reception with foreign media reveals "three constants"
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bellala 央廣＠＠3h ago
President Lai Ching-te held a tea reception with foreign media on the eve of the Dragon Boat Festival. Foreign correspondents stationed in Taiwan focused on issues such as US arms sales to Taiwan, negotiations on exclusive economic zones between Japan and the Philippines, cooperation among First Island Chain countries, and progress in national security legislation. The President's response focused on three unchanging core principles: the unwavering determination to defend Taiwan, the unwavering commitment to adhering to the rules-based international order, and the unwavering resolve to promote peace through equal exchanges. Foreign affairs sources pointed out that in the face of China's continuous pressure on countries in the First and Second Island Chains, the Lai administration chose this time to hold a tea reception with international media to clearly articulate Taiwan's position to the international community, demonstrating an attitude of "collective defense and shared responsibility."
President Lai Ching-te attended the "Presidential Tea Reception with International Media" hosted by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club (TFCC) on the 18th. More than 60 foreign media representatives stationed in Taiwan from around the world were present. President Lai delivered a speech, took questions from the media, and shared zongzi, creating a festive atmosphere.
The questions from foreign media stationed in Taiwan primarily focused on issues such as US arms sales to Taiwan, negotiations on exclusive economic zones between Japan and the Philippines, cooperation among First Island Chain countries, and progress in national security legislation. The high level of attention to President Lai's related positions highlights the international community's strong emphasis on Taiwan issues and also underscores Taiwan's crucial role in the overall Indo-Pacific situation and geopolitical changes. A report by "Nikkei Asia" also pointed out that this tea reception, organized by the TFCC, is the first time in many years that a sitting president has personally attended, marking the Lai administration's commitment to ensuring Taiwan's voice is heard by the international community.
Foreign affairs sources indicated that reviewing President Lai's responses, there are three unchanging core principles. First, the unwavering determination to defend Taiwan. Regarding US arms sales to Taiwan, President Lai stated that foreign arms purchases are as important as promoting national defense autonomy, reiterating Taiwan's willingness to engage in "collective defense and shared responsibility" with the international community.
Second, the unwavering commitment to adhering to the rules-based international order. On the issue of negotiations for exclusive economic zones between Japan and the Philippines, President Lai reiterated that the negotiations would not affect the rights and interests of third parties, emphasizing that Taiwan would ensure its national sovereignty and the rights of its fishermen, all in accordance with the "United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea" and the "Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties." He also pointed out that China's gray-zone harassment in the surrounding areas poses the greatest risk and threat.
Third, the unwavering resolve to promote peace through equal exchanges. During the reception, President Lai cited the emerging peace in the Middle East, the hope for an early end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and the recent G7 appeal, calling on China to abandon its authoritarian expansion and reiterating its willingness to engage in exchanges on the basis of equality and dignity to jointly promote peace.
Foreign affairs sources further analyzed that in the face of China's continuous pressure on countries in the First and Second Island Chains, the Lai administration chose this time to hold a tea reception with international media to clearly articulate Taiwan's position to the international community, demonstrating an attitude of "collective defense and shared responsibility." The extensive coverage by foreign media indicates that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are of great concern to the international community. President Lai's repeated emphasis on related positions shows that Taiwan will not be absent from or dispensable in these issues, and in the overall geopolitical transformation, it possesses high agency and strategic stability. (Editor: Chung Chin-lung)
Further Reading
President: 17 national security measures have been effective; the next step is to transition to regular institutional work
High hopes for arms sales, President: US commitment to Taiwan's security remains unchanged
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215545
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