Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chen Ming-tong says that showing China weakness will not bring peace. The Mainland Affairs Council is Taiwan’s top China policymaking body. Chen’s comment came Friday during an international forum discussing issues facing development in China.
China has stepped up its military presence around Taiwan in recent months. Chen says that Taiwan must stand ready to defend itself, but it will not willingly aggravate war. He says that Taiwan is open to peaceful negotiations. The minister called on countries that share Taiwan’s values to help defend Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty.
Chen said that Beijing must come to terms with Taiwan's commitment to democracy, equality, and peace. He urged China to be creative in its approach to Taiwan and to act in good faith.