Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen issued a stern warning to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, declaring that any attempt to cross Taiwan’s ‘red line’ would be met with ‘severe consequences.’
Tsai’s remarks came during a speech commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, a landmark US law that has guided relations between Washington and Taipei in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
She emphasized that Taiwan’s determination to defend its freedom and democracy is unwavering, and that any encroachment on its sovereignty would be resolutely opposed.
‘We are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,’ Tsai said. ‘But we will not hesitate to defend our country and our way of life.’
Tsai’s warning comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, which claims the self-governed island as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control.
In recent months, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan, including sending fighter jets and warships into its airspace and territorial waters.
The US has expressed concern over China’s actions, warning that any attempt to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force would be a ‘grave mistake.’
Tsai’s speech was widely seen as a message of defiance to China, underscoring Taiwan’s resolve to maintain its independence.
She also called on the international community to support Taiwan in its efforts to resist Chinese aggression.
‘Taiwan is not alone,’ Tsai said. ‘We have friends around the world who share our values of freedom and democracy.’
The Taiwan Relations Act, signed into law by US President Jimmy Carter on April 10, 1979, has been a cornerstone of US-Taiwan relations for over four decades.
The act commits the US to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons and to maintain its capacity to resist any coercion from China.
It also states that the US will consider any threat to Taiwan’s security as a matter of ‘grave concern’ and will respond accordingly.
Tsai’s speech commemorating the anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act was a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of the US-Taiwan relationship and the commitment of both countries to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
It also served as a clear warning to China that any attempt to cross Taiwan’s ‘red line’ would be met with ‘severe consequences.’.
