China views Taiwan's 'elimination' as national cause, Taiwan president says

16/6/2024 12:29

        China views the annexation and "elimination" of Taiwan as its great national cause, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, telling cadets at the military's premier academy they must know their enemy and not give in to defeatism.
        
        Lai has faced sustained personal attacks from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, since assuming office last month, with Beijing calling him a "separatist". China staged war games around Taiwan shortly after Lai's inauguration.
        
        Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but been rebuffed.
        
        Speaking in Kaohsiung in the south of the island on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy, Lai said today's cadets must recognise the challenges of the "new era".