By Ben Blanchard, Reuters — Taipei, Thursday 27 August 2020
The risk of accidental conflict is rising because of tension in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, and communication must be maintained to reduce the risk of miscalculation, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Thursday.
“The risk of conflict requires careful management by all the parties concerned. We expect and hope that Beijing will continue to exercise restraint consistent with their obligations as a major regional power,” Tsai told a forum organised by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Relations between China and the United States are widely seen to be at their worst point in decades, with deepening mistrust over the novel coronavirus, trade practices, and disputes over Hong Kong, the South China Sea and Taiwan. Tsai said Taiwan needed to strengthen its defence capabilities. “We do this because we know that in terms of our current situation, strength can be co-related with deterrence. It also reduces the risk of military adventurism,” she said. Tsai reiterated her desire to talk: “We are open to discussions with China, as long as they contribute to a beneficial relationship.”