In a message for the new year, Taiwan’s president thanked its military

TAIPEI, Reuters – Taiwan President TsaiIngwen thanked the armed force for defending the island in Friday’s Lunar New Year message. She stated that the government had defended peace despite China’s military drills.

China claims Taiwan as its sovereign territory. This has been evident in China’s increased military activity over the past three year.

Tsai stated that this year would be like the last in a recorded video message just before Lunar New Year’s Day, Sunday, which is the most important holiday for the Chinese-speaking world.

She said that the government “firmly safeguards peace in the Taiwan Strait” and the region, despite the Chinese Communists’ military planes and aircraft regularly harassing Taiwan and even performing exercises around the Taiwan Strait.

“The military is strong and holds firm to their positions, fully protecting national security and defending the common homeland. Tsai said, “I want to thank our brothers and sisters who served in the military.” “In the New Year, the government is going to continue to do all it can for the economy and recovery as well as protecting sovereignty and securing peace.

China’s Air Force has been crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median Line, which has served as an informal barrier between the two since August drills. They have also carried out other exercises close to Taiwan.

Tsai didn’t directly send New Year greetings for China. She simply extended best wishes to all “friends” who were celebrating the festival around the globe. This is also observed in other countries like South Korea and Vietnam.

Tsai, in her address to the New Year on January 1, offered China “necessary aid” to assist it with COVID-19 surge cases. But she stated that Chinese military activities around the island were detrimental to peace and stability.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard. Gerry Doyle Editing