cross-posted from: https://beehaw.org/post/17869400
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen the island’s defenses in the face of escalating Chinese threats, saying in a New Year’s address on Wednesday that Taiwan was a crucial part of the “line of defense of democracy” globally.
China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, is part of its territory and has vowed to annex the island by force if necessary.
“Authoritarian countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are still collaborating to threaten the international order that is based on rules. This has severely influenced the Indo-Pacific region and the world’s peace and stability,” Lai said in his address.
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Lai also issued a warning about the need to uphold democracy domestically, addressing recent political controversies in Taiwan.
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