'War is not an option', Taiwan president says amid China tensions

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen delivers a speech on the day of her seventh year anniversary since she held office in Taipei, Taiwan May 20, 2023. Taiwan Presidential Office/Handout via REUTERS

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen vowed on Saturday to maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait amid high tensions with China, which has stepped up military pressure on the democratically governed island.

Taiwan will not provoke and will not bow to Chinese pressure, Tsai said in a speech in the presidential office in Taipei marking the seventh anniversary of her governance.