President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7 summit’s call to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait at an international media gathering this Thursday, June 18, and called for China to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.

The president delivered a speech upon arriving at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club gathering, and hosted a Q&A session following.

In his remarks, Lai noted that Taiwan overcame 38 years of martial law, undaunted by China’s missile threats, to hold its first direct presidential election 30 years ago. He said this declared to the international community that “Taiwan’s sovereignty resides in the people,” and, “Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its 23 million people.” 

President Lai stated, “Taiwan is willing to respond to the G7’s call and will firmly cooperate with the international community to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We also urge China to abandon its military buildup in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, and to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.”

Lai continued, “On the principle of equality and dignity, Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peaceful and prosperous development.”

Lai said Taiwan is grateful for the G7 summit’s reaffirmation that it will not allow any party to change the status quo, especially opposing any attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. 

The president voluntarily extended the Q&A session 20 minutes past the originally scheduled 40-minute allotment due to enthusiastic questioning from foreign media correspondents, 60 of which were represented at the event from countries including the United States, Europe, and Japan.