TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te condemned China's recent military exercises in light of his transit through the U.S. during the "Stop Killing Pedestrians" march on Sunday. (Aug. 20)
The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate attributing China's actions a ploy to influence Taiwan's presidential election.
Lai urged China to cease unilateral actions that harm others without benefiting itself, and return to an international path of mutual benefit.
He believes such actions would be beneficial for all Indo-Pacific nations, including China itself.
On Aug. 18, following Lai's return to Taiwan after a transit through the US, China capitalized on the situation by initiating military drills.
This move sparked concern, leading the Vice President to point out that Taiwan, as a democratic nation, expects respect from China for its democratic elections and warned against China's attempts to manipulate the presidential race.
Furthermore, he called on the Beijing government to look toward the international community including the Group of Seven, NATO, the EU, and US, Japanese, and Korean leaders' assembly, and their focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
At the same time, Lai took the opportunity to thank the public for his latest poll ratings surpassing 40 percent, reaffirming his determination to continue his efforts toward final victory in 2024's presidential race.