Taiwan to enhance national security in face of Chinese pressure

The island faces increased pressure after losing three allies to Beijing this year

epa07082148 Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during the Taiwan National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, 10 October 2018. National Day in Taiwan commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising, which took place on 10 October 1911. The uprising led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and imperial rule in China, as well as the establishment of the government of the Republic of China, which governed mainland China until the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949.  EPA/RITCHIE B. TONGO
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Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen vowed on Wednesday to enhance national security, warning her government will not submit to Chinese suppression as Beijing ramps up pressure to assert sovereignty over the island.

Using a National Day speech to reinforce Taiwan's self-rule, President Tsai said the island would use all methods to prevent infiltration from other countries.

Ms Tsai said China's increased pressure on Taiwan had challenged the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, but that Taiwan will not recklessly provoke China.

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has increased military and diplomatic pressure on Taipei. The island this year lost three allies who switched diplomatic allegiance to Beijing, and saw its giant neighbour send bombers and fighter jets for encirclement drills around Taiwan.

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