China’s threats won’t influence Taiwan’s way of life or commitment to freedom and democracy. That came from Taiwan’s representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-Khim on Wednesday.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory. On Wednesday China ended nearly a week of unprecedented live-fire exercises surrounding Taiwan. That same day, China’s State Council released a white paper outlining Beijing’s vision for unifying with Taiwan. That vision includes implementing “One Country, Two Systems,” the framework that governs Hong Kong and Macau.
Speaking to US outlet MSNBC, Hsiao responded that Taiwan’s democracy cannot be sacrificed. Hsiao says Beijing uses threats and intimidation to force Taiwan to accept its political conditions. She says the loss of basic rights like freedom of speech and assembly in Hong Kong is not what Taiwanese people want. She adds Taiwan needs international support at this crucial moment.