‘Taiwan won’t give up freedom’

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te said in a National Day speech on Saturday said the territory cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, and there must be respect for the right of the people to exist. 
Boosting defences is not a provocation, added Lai Ching-te.
Beijing quickly denounced the speech, saying it "distorts the truth" and reveals "ulterior motives."
Democratically governed Taiwan has faced increased military and political pressure from China, which views the island as its own territory over the strong objections of the government in Taipei.
Facing China's far larger military, which is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defence spending and modernising its armed forces.
Peace cannot rely solely on "wishes", Lai said outside the Presidential Office. "Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom. We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination."