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In addition to military force, the Chinese government “is increasingly using non-traditional methods of coercion to try to force Taiwan into submission,” Lai said at a press conference marking his first month in office. “But Taiwan will not give in to pressure,” he assured.
Upon taking office on May 20, Lai Ching-te reiterated his commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty. China responded with military exercises around Taiwan, which it described as a “firm punishment” of the island’s “pro-independence” forces.
Taiwan has been governed autonomously since 1949. China claims sovereignty over the island, which it considers a rebel province.
