Taiwan's president pursues peace with China amid rising tensions

• The president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, seeks dialogue with China.
• Taiwan is strengthening its defence amid tensions with Beijing.
• Lai announces the creation of a fund to support the technology economy.

President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, declared his desire to engage in dialogue with China, while simultaneously emphasizing the need to strengthen the island’s defence. Lai noted that Taipei is ready for trade cooperation with Beijing, as long as it is based on mutual respect.

Lai stressed that preparing for war is the best way to avoid it. "I am also committed to peace because peace is priceless, and war has no winners," said the president of Taiwan. He added that Taiwan must take care of its own security, as "when it comes to the pursuit of peace, one cannot have dreams or illusions."

Lai does not recognize China's claims to sovereignty over Taiwan, which has democratic governance. Authorities in Beijing label him as a "separatist." Last week, China’s Ministry of Defense called Lai the "initiator of the crisis in the Taiwan Strait," accusing him of escalating tensions and confrontation between both sides and destabilizing peace and order in the region.

China accuses Lai of heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing does not rule out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, which faces resistance from both the government and the island's society.

The president of Taiwan announced the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to support the tech-focused economy. This is a step towards strengthening Taiwan's position on the international stage.

Authorities in Taipei fear that Beijing might organize more military drills, increasing tensions in the region. Will Taiwan and China find a common path to peace, or will tensions continue to escalate?