Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visited the frontline island of Kinmen to mark a key battle with Chinese forces and reiterated Taiwan’s rejection of being ruled by China’s Communist Party. The visit comes amidst ongoing maneuvers and patrols by China’s military around Taiwan, which Taiwan views as attempts to undermine regional peace and stability. Taiwan has controlled Kinmen and Matsu islands since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949, following the civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists.
Lai honored veterans at the memorial park for the clash with Chinese forces and emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. He stated that Taiwan’s people are unwilling to be ruled by the Communist Party but seek peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s defense ministry detected Chinese military aircraft conducting combat patrols near the Taiwan Strait on the same day.
Lai highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its military and defend its sovereignty, with defense spending expected to increase next year. China considers Taiwan its territory and has criticized Lai as a “separatist,” but he maintains that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. The situation in Kinmen, less than 1.2 miles from Chinese-controlled territory, remains tense, as the history of the 1958 crisis, the last major conflict between Taiwan and China, looms. Despite the tensions, efforts are being made to promote peace between the two sides, with discussions on reopening Kinmen to Chinese tourists taking place.
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