Taiwan’s president urges China to ‘open its arms’ amid rising tensions
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Taiwanese president Lai Ching Te has urged China to abandon its confrontational stance and embrace dialogue, calling on Beijing to “open its arms rather than raise its fists”. Addressing speculation of Chinese military activity, Mr Lai said: “No matter how many military exercises and warships and aircraft are used to coerce neighbouring countries, they will not be able to win the respect of any country.” Mr Lai’s trip to the small Pacific nations of Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, and brief stopovers in the American territories of Hawaii and Guam, has drawn a sharp rebuke from China. open image in gallery Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, left, with Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr The Chinese foreign ministry condemned the US for facilitating Mr Lai’s transit and accused Taiwan of conducting “separatist activities” under the guise of diplomacy. open image in gallery Lai Ching Te and Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr tour a medical cabin aboard Yunlin In a related development, China imposed sanctions on 13 US companies and six executives on Thursday in response to a $385m American arms deal with Taiwan.