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Tsai Ing-wen promises to defend Taiwan’s democracy amid Ukraine crisis
- The island’s president says it is her to duty to defend the island’s democracy and people must defend their rights and freedoms
- Tsai was speaking at an event to mark the 75th anniversary of a massacre known as the ‘228 incident’ or part of the ‘White Terror’ era
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Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday the Russian invasion of Ukraine offered a lesson and pledged to protect the island.
Tsai said it was her duty as president to unify the people of Taiwan and protect its democracy, urging the public to cherish their hard-earned freedoms and human rights.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of a February 28, 1947, massacre known as the “228 Incident,” she reminded the people not to take their rights for granted but to join in their defence.
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“We all see the people of Ukraine come together to fight against the invasion by a powerful country,” Tsai said. “The Ukrainian people have taught us that when we face any challenges, democracy and unity are the only option.”
Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland by force if necessary.
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Foreign policy experts say the situation surrounding Ukraine has implications for the Indo-Pacific region as it faces China’s increasing assertiveness, especially targeting Taiwan.
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