Taiwan urges China to pursue dialogue over confrontation

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Taiwan on Friday called on China to engage in “dialogue with parity and respect,” as tensions continue to rise between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Speaking at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Taipei, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim urged Beijing to engage directly with Taiwan’s democratically elected government.

“Taiwan does not seek conflict. We will not provoke confrontation,” she said.

“For decades, Taiwanese people and businesses have contributed to China's growth and prosperity, which has only been possible under a peaceful and stable environment. Aggressive military posturing is counterproductive and deprives the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities to pursue an agenda of growth and prosperity,” she added.

Responding to the remarks, China reiterated its position that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of its territory.

“Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to China,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press briefing in Beijing.

“How to solve the Taiwan issue is China’s issue,” Lin added, blaming “Taiwan's separatist activities and foreign forces supporting this” as "the greatest threat" to cross-strait stability.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing’s claim and insists on maintaining its de facto independence.