TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said US President Donald Trump would deserve the Nobel Peace Prize if he could persuade Chinese leader Xi Jinping to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.
Lai made the remarks during an interview with Buck Sexton, host of “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show,” in which he discussed cross-strait relations, regional security, national defense, Taiwan-US trade ties, and social welfare policies, per CNA. The interview aired early Tuesday, Taiwan time.
When outlining his Four Pillars of Peace strategy, Lai said Taiwan is willing to engage in dialogue with China based on equality and mutual respect. Through communication and cooperation, “we can achieve the goal of peace and mutual prosperity."
Lai pointed out that Trump once publicly said Xi had called him and pledged not to attack Taiwan during his presidency. He expressed hope that Trump will continue supporting Taiwan.
“If he is able to convince Xi Jinping to permanently renounce the use of force against Taiwan, President Trump will surely win the Nobel Peace Prize,” said Lai.
Asked what he would tell Trump about Taiwan’s current security environment, Lai said Xi is expanding China’s military presence in the South and East China Seas while conducting larger-scale exercises in the Taiwan Strait. He added that China’s military operations now extend across the Indo-Pacific, with aircraft carriers sailing beyond the first and second island chains and naval vessels conducting drills as far as Australia’s exclusive economic zone.
He said the Indo-Pacific security landscape is evolving rapidly, and regional tensions are mounting. The issue extends beyond a potential invasion of Taiwan.
“If it is able to annex Taiwan, China will be in a stronger position to compete with the United States and alter the rules-based international order,” warned Lai. He said this would ultimately threaten US interests as well.
“So we hope that President Trump can continue to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” said Lai. He said that Taiwan is determined to safeguard its national security and will work with democratic partners to preserve regional peace.
