Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen takes swipe at mainland China in Lunar New Year ‘blessing’ of democracy
- Island’s president says her commitment to democracy may not be understood in some places
- Xi kicked off 2019 by stepping up pressure on Taipei for reunification
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took a swipe at mainland China’s lack of freedom in a message to mark the start of the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, saying she hoped ethnic Chinese all over the world could experience the “blessing” of democracy.
Self-governed Taiwan is China’s most sensitive issue and is claimed by Beijing as its territory under its one-China policy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has stepped up pressure on the island since Tsai, from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, became president in 2016.
He kicked off 2019 with a speech reiterating that Beijing reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control, although it would strive for peaceful “reunification”.
Taiwan maintained cultural traditions and was committed to upholding the values of freedom and democracy, Tsai said in the message, posted on Sunday across her presidential social media accounts.
“Those in places lacking democracy may not understand this commitment. We hope that ethnic Chinese all over the world can experience this blessing,” she said, without directly mentioning China.