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TAIPEI (Reuters) – President Tsai Ing-wen sent a Lunar New Year message to international supporters of Taiwan on Thursday, a day after the Chinese military released a song telling Taiwan to “go home” amid footage of a mock missile attack. He expressed his gratitude to society.
China, which claims the democratically ruled island as its own territory despite opposition from Taipei’s government, has stepped up its military activities in the past four years, including holding military exercises around the island. .
In a short pre-recorded video message before the start of the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Tsai said Taiwan would strive to stand united and resolute in the face of the “rapidly changing international situation.” He said there was.
“I believe that as long as we continue to support each other, we can overcome challenges, and as long as we continue to stand together, we can protect our country,” she said.
Switching to English, Tsai expressed her gratitude to the world for supporting Taiwan.
He added: “To our friends around the world, thank you for your continued support for Taiwan. Taiwan will continue to work with our democratic partners to maintain peace and stability.” “We will pursue cooperation and prosperity, and unite Taiwan with the world.”
Taiwan, despite having no formal diplomatic ties, has been buoyed by support from the United States and many Western allies in the face of Chinese pressure, drawing Beijing’s ire.
On Wednesday, the People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, which also has jurisdiction over Taiwan, released a New Year’s music video, “You Only Win by Coming Home,” partially sung in Hokkien. Hokkien is widely spoken not only in Taiwan but also in other provinces of China. of Fujian.
The video includes footage of Chinese warships and fighter jets, including a J-20 stealth fighter, as well as missile attacks on Taiwan that the command first released during war games around Taiwan in April 2023. A mock video was also shown.
“I can’t help but feel sorry for the families that never got back together,” the male singer sings.
The video also briefly shows Taiwan’s cityscape and Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building.
In her message, Tsai did not wish New Year’s greetings directly to China, instead congratulating “good friends” around the world who celebrate the festival, which is also celebrated in countries such as Vietnam and South Korea.
Tsai will step down on May 20, and current vice president Lai Chingde, who was elected in last month’s election, will take over.
China despises Messrs. Tsai and Lai, believing them to be separatists, and has rejected offers for talks.
(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jerry Doyle)
Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters.
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