Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
President China, Xi Jinping, dan Presiden Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, attacked each other through speeches over the weekend. The two are fighting over the sovereignty of their respective territories amid rising tensions.
This mutual attack began when Xi delivered a speech on Saturday (9/10). In the speech, Xi said he would seek to reunite Taiwan with China, a concept known as the “One China” principle.
“Separatism for Taiwan independence is the greatest challenge to achieve reunification, and the most serious hidden danger in national recovery,” Xi was quoted as saying. Reuters.
Xi later stated that this reunification would be carried out in the interests of the Taiwanese people. However, Xi stressed that China will protect its sovereignty and unity.
“No one can underestimate the steadfast determination, strong will, and great ability of the Chinese people to defend the sovereignty and integrity of its territory,” Xi said.
A day later, Sunday (10/10), Tsai then replied to Xi’s statement through a speech celebrating National Taiwan Day. Tsai has once again made it clear that she wants to ease tensions in the Taiwan Strait for some time.
He also stressed that Taiwan would not “act rashly.” However, Tsai stressed her stance should not mean that the Taiwanese people will bow to pressure.
“We will continue to improve our national defense and demonstrate our determination to protect ourselves to ensure that no one can force Taiwan to take the path that China has laid out for us,” Tsai said.
He later said, “This is because the path that China provides does not offer a free and democratic way of life for Taiwan, nor sovereignty for our 23 million people.”
Hours after that, Xi immediately released a statement through China’s representative office for Taiwan affairs strongly condemning Tsai’s speech.
“The speech championed independence, sparked confrontation, and dispelled historical and biased facts,” the office said in a statement.
They also stated that “reunification” must take place and that the doors of discussion would be closed if Taiwan persists in wanting independence.
“The provocation of the independence of the Democratic Progressive Party authorities is a source of tension and turmoil in inter-Strait relations and represents the greatest challenge to peace and stability around the Taiwan Strait,” the statement said.
The exchange of statements comes amid increasing tensions between China and Taiwan in the past week.
Tensions escalated after China deployed nearly 150 aircraft to the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) from Friday to Sunday last week.
After that, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, stated that his party was ready if it had to go to war with China.
Meanwhile, Tsai said Taiwan does not want a military confrontation with anyone, including China. However, Tsai vowed she would do whatever it takes to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.
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