Taiwan and China Need Dialogue for Peace

TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan and China must engage in dialogue to achieve peace amid the changing international landscape, according to Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, who advocates for conversation over confrontation.

Lai, regarded as a “separatist” by China, has consistently called for discussions with Beijing, which has increased its military and political pressure on Taiwan, viewing it as part of sovereign Chinese territory.

Both nations are also navigating challenges stemming from the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on China and threatened similar actions against Taiwan’s leading semiconductor sector.

In a statement to Taiwanese business leaders invested in China, Lai emphasized that both Taiwan and China share common threats like natural disasters, and their mutual goal should be the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

“Therefore, especially amidst the multifaceted changes in the international situation, we must foster a positive dialogue and exchanges between both sides to achieve peace,” Lai remarked.

Lai expressed Taiwan’s openness to talks with China based on equality, stating that dialogue should supersede confrontation, although emphasized that Taiwan’s future is to be decided exclusively by its people.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to inquiries. Beijing insists that Taiwan recognize the concept of “one China,” which Lai’s government has rejected.

Lai also cautioned against any illusions regarding peace, asserting that Taiwan should strengthen its defense measures while aligning with other democracies. “Only with sovereignty is there the country. Only with Taiwan is there the Republic of China,” he maintained, referencing the island’s official name.

The Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after being defeated in a civil war by Mao Zedong’s communist forces, which established the People’s Republic of China in Beijing.