Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has said Taiwan will not allow any external force to change its future. His comment is widely believed to have China in mind.
Lai attended a ceremony on the Kinmen Islands on Friday to mourn the fallen soldiers and other victims of a fierce battle there 75 years ago.
Chinese troops landed on Kinmen, on October 25, 1949, and fighting broke out. Kinmen is located off the coast of China’s Fujian Province.
Lai left incense and flowers at the monument and offered a silent prayer.
At a luncheon with former soldiers and bereaved family members of fallen fighters, Lai said people must “inscribe in their hearts the sacrifice and contribution of their predecessors” who fought for “national sovereignty, democracy and freedom.”
He also said the people of Taiwan cherish a democratic and free way of life, adding that they cannot and will not allow any external force to change the future of Taiwan.
His message is believed to be directed at China following its large-scale military exercise around Taiwan on October 14.
Lai stressed the need to deepen cooperation with democratic partners for the peace of the region and the world.
The president also touched on reports that North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, which is continuing with its invasion of Ukraine. He pointed out that authoritarianism continues to expand.