Tsai urges China to rein in 'military adventurism'

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220101_11/

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has called on China to resolve their differences peacefully, saying Beijing should curb the spread of "military adventurism."

Tsai delivered her New Year address at the presidential office in Taipei on Saturday.

Tsai strongly protested against China's "military incursions," which she said "are of no benefit to the preservation of regional peace and stability."

She said Taiwan's position was consistent and that it "will neither bow to pressure nor act rashly when we have support."

Tsai said Chinese authorities "should not misjudge the situation, and that they should stop the spread of military adventurism within their ranks."

Tsai added that "the use of military means is absolutely not an option" for resolving the differences between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. She warned that military clashes would deal a blow to economic stability.

The president also brought up the recent arrests of people in Hong Kong in connection with an online media outlet known for its critical stance against the Hong Kong government.

Tsai said the pursuit of democracy and freedom is not a crime, and that Taiwan's position in support of Hong Kong will not change.

She said Taiwan will cherish its "own hard-earned freedom and democracy even more deeply." She expressed resolve to "show the world that democratic Taiwan has the courage to step out from the shadow of authoritarian China."