Tsai rejects China’s one country, two systems push for Taiwan

TAIPEI - In her National Day address, Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, has again firmly rejected a continuing push for Taiwan to become part of China under a  "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement.

She said the past year had seen even more dramatic change. "The US-China trade dispute continues, And not far from Taiwan, Hong Kong is on the verge of chaos due to the failure of "one country, two systems".

"Nevertheless, China is still threatening to impose its "one country, two systems model for Taiwan". Their diplomatic offensives and military coercion pose a serious challenge to regional stability and peace.

"When freedom and democracy are challenged, and when the Republic of China's existence and development are threatened, we must stand up and defend ourselves.

"The overwhelming consensus among Taiwan's 23 million people is our rejection of "one country, two systems", regardless of party affiliation or political position.

"The Republic of China has stood tall on Taiwan for over 70 years. But if we were to accept "one country, two systems", there would no longer be room for the Republic of China's existence.

"As President, standing up to protect national sovereignty is not a provocation--it is my fundamental responsibility."

In what appeared a pointed barb at the Opposition Kuomintang Party, Tsai said no-one had a patent on the Republic of China, and no-one could monopolise Taiwan.

"The words "Republic of China (Taiwan)" are not the exclusive property of any one political party, and that is the overwhelming consensus of Taiwan society," she said.

"Looking to the future, there are many challenges awaiting us that we must overcome.

"We are witnessing China's rise and expansion, as they challenge free, democratic values and the global order through a combination of authoritarianism, nationalism, and economic might.

 "China is encroaching on us through their sharp power, but as a crucial member of the region, we know that Taiwan must fulfil its responsibilities to the international community.

"We will not act provocatively or rashly; rather, we will work with like-minded countries to ensure that the peaceful and stable cross-strait status quo is not unilaterally altered.

We must also hold firm our values of freedom and democracy.

"The Taiwanese people walked the difficult path to democratisation together, and though it may sometimes be tumultuous, only democracy can ensure our hard-won freedom and offer the next generation the right to choose their own future."

www.mofa.gov.tw (ATI).