TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Taiwan is doing everything it can to stop a war with China during her interview with Germany's public broadcaster ARD, CNA reported Tuesday.
Hsiao said China uses both military and hybrid pressure to try to intimidate Taiwan. She said Beijing flies more aircraft near Taiwan and spreads disinformation to meddle in domestic politics.
The vice president said China also pressures Taiwan’s economy by targeting vulnerable industries. Still, she said, the Taiwanese will stand firm and protect their way of life and freedom.
She added that Taiwan’s actions are all meant to keep peace, not cause trouble. Taiwan advocates for peace and wants to be a force for good in the world, she said.
Hsiao pushed back on Beijing’s claim that Taiwan’s leaders are separatists. She said it’s clear to the world that China is the one raising tensions.
She stressed that the CCP “has never ruled” Taiwan. The country is run by its own democratically elected government, she said.
Hsiao also warned that growing ties between Russia and China are a threat to the Indo-Pacific region. She said democracies must work together to fight against disinformation and political interference.
ARD is Germany’s largest public broadcasting network. It runs several regional stations and produces national news and programs.
