Taiwan Reiterates Peaceful Stance Amid China's Military Aggression

Taipei, Taiwan – On July 18, 2025, Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed the growing tensions between Taiwan and China, emphasizing that Taiwan does not seek conflict and will not provoke confrontation. Speaking at a briefing for the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club in Taipei, Hsiao condemned Beijing's escalating military posturing as counterproductive. "We do not seek conflict; we will not provoke confrontation," she stated, highlighting that Taiwanese people are inherently peace-loving and prefer dialogue over discord.

China regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory and labels Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a "separatist." Taiwan's government challenges this assertion, arguing for its sovereignty. Hsiao pointed out that the Chinese government's increasing pressure on Taiwan has intensified over recent years, but asserted that Taiwan remains committed to maintaining peace. "Defending the status quo is our choice, not because it is easy, but because it is responsible and consistent with the interests of our entire region," she added.

The historical context of Taiwan and China’s relationship is marked by decades of tension following the Chinese Civil War, which concluded in 1949, leading to Taiwan's separation from the mainland. Since then, Taiwan has evolved into a vibrant democracy and a significant player in global technology markets, particularly as a leading semiconductor producer.

According to a report by the Asian Development Bank published in 2023, Taiwan's economic contributions to China have been substantial, yet Hsiao remarked that these contributions are only sustainable in a peaceful environment. "Aggressive military posturing deprives both sides of the Taiwan Strait of opportunities for growth and prosperity," she asserted.

The geopolitical landscape has further complicated matters, as Taiwan navigates international negotiations, particularly with the United States regarding tariff discussions. Following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a potential 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods in April 2023, Hsiao confirmed that negotiations are ongoing. "Our negotiators are literally working around the clock to reach an agreement on reciprocal tariffs while promoting bilateral cooperation in technology and investments," she stated.

The Chinese government has responded to Taiwan's diplomatic moves with sanctions, targeting senior Taiwanese officials, including Hsiao, although these measures have had limited impact. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's stance that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to "one China," dismissing Taiwan's assertions of sovereignty.

In recent years, China has conducted numerous military exercises around Taiwan, with at least six major war games since 2022, which have raised concerns among international observers about the potential for conflict. Hsiao's comments come at a critical time, as Taiwan seeks to assert its identity on the global stage while managing a complex relationship with its much larger neighbor.

As Taiwan continues to advocate for peaceful coexistence, the implications of its diplomatic efforts, both regionally and internationally, remain to be seen. The future of Taiwan's interactions with China and other global powers will likely shape the region's geopolitical landscape in the years to come. The Taiwanese government remains committed to fostering a stable environment conducive to growth, both for itself and its international partners.