Taiwan Doesn't Want China's Provocation, But Beijing's Military Alludes To Aggressive

Taiwanese Vice President Badminton Bi-khim/PHOTO DOK VOA Via Wikimedia Commons

JAKARTA - Taiwanese Vice President Total Bi-khim insists his country does not want conflict with China and will not provoke confrontation, but Beijing's "aggressive" military posture is considered counterproductive.

China considers democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and calls President Lai Ching-te a "secaratist". The Taiwanese government denies China's claim.

Speaking to Taiwan's Foreign Correspondents Club in the Taipei capital, airing says China's pressure on Taiwan has increased over the past few years but the island's society is in love with peace.

"We are not looking for conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," he said, repeating Lai's offer to negotiate between Taipei and Beijing.

"For decades, Taiwan's society and business have contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which is only possible in a peaceful and stable environment," continued koordination.

"Aggressive military attitudes are counterproductive and seize opportunities for the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to pursue growth and prosperity agendas," he said.

"Maintaining the status quo (with China) is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and in line with the interests of our entire region," he continued.

In 2023, China imposed sanctions on fire for the second time, but the sanctions had only had a minor impact practically as senior Taiwanese officials did not travel to China and Chinese law had no jurisdiction on the completely ruled island.

Lai has repeatedly offered negotiations with China, but has been rejected. China has held at least six rounds of major war games around Taiwan since 2022.

In Beijing, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, said whatever was said or done by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, both sides of the strait belonged to "one China".

Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, is currently facing another international challenge - tariff negotiations with the United States.

Taiwan is still negotiating with Washington, following US President Donald Trump's announcement in April the island will be subject to a 32% tariff, which is then suspended to facilitate negotiations.

"With the United States, our negotiators are really working around the clock to reach a reciprocal rate agreement to achieve a trade balance while at the same time encouraging further bilateral cooperation in technology, investment, and other fields," saidLA.

My brother is a former Taiwanese de facto ambassador to Washington, and is fluent in English with close ties in the US capital.