Taiwan pushes freedom, Beijing slams ‘ulterior motives’

Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, and there must be respect for the right of Taiwan’s people to exist, President Lai Ching-te said in a National Day speech, adding that boosting defences is not a provocation. Beijing quickly denounced the speech on Saturday, 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,…