No 'external forces' can change our future, Taiwan's president says on remote islands By Reuters
Written by Walid Berrazeg
KINMEN, Taiwan (Reuters) – Taiwan values its freedom and democracy and no “external force” can change its future, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Friday, visiting the sensitive islands near China to mark the 75th anniversary of a landmark victory. communist power.
Taiwan has controlled Kinmen, as well as the Matsu islands to the north, since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists.
Lai told veterans and family members that the October 1949 Battle of Guningtou, when Republican forces defeated an attempted invasion of Kinmen by the People's Liberation Army “represents our determination to defend our country”.
“The battle of Guningtou makes us realize that democracy and freedom are not something to be taken lightly,” said Lai.
“We value a democratic and free way of life, and we cannot, and will not, allow any foreign power to change the future of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, right?” Lai added, referring to all island groups controlled by the government, though he did not specifically mention China.
Beijing hates Lai as a “separatist” and views democratic Taiwan as its territory, a claim he rejects, saying only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
China held a day of military exercises around Taiwan earlier this month as a warning against “separatist acts”.
Lai reiterated his determination to maintain peace and stability and protect Taiwan's sovereignty, as well as his willingness to talk to Beijing.
“Our emphasis on protecting a democratic and free way of life for future generations has not changed and will remain the same,” he added.
The Battle of Kinmen was a rare victory for Chiang Kai-shek's forces in the last days of the Chinese civil war.
In December of that year, the republican government fled to Taiwan and in the following years and months it would lose a series of other islands and islets to the communist forces. The Republic of China remains the official name of Taiwan.
Late Thursday, Taiwan's military conducted a nighttime fire drill in the Penghu Islands, home to a major air force and naval base and located in the Taiwan Strait although closer to Taiwan than China, which practice repelling maritime attacks.
It was Lai's second trip to Kinmen since taking office in May.
Kinmen today is a popular tourist destination due in part to its Cold War history.
Taiwan maintains a large military presence.
No peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed between Taiwan and China and neither government officially recognizes the other.
