Taiwan will not compromise on its independence and sovereignty, said Tsai Ing-wen, head of the island’s administration.

“The consensus of the Taiwanese people (…) is to protect our sovereignty and our free and democratic way of life. There is no room for compromise on this issue,” Tsai Ing-wen was quoted as saying by CNN.

In her speech on the occasion of Taiwan’s National Day, she said, “I urge the Beijing authorities to abandon military measures, this should not be an option for cross-strait relations.”

“Only by respecting the aspirations of the Taiwanese people for sovereignty, freedom and democracy, we will be able to resume positive interaction on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” she said.

She noted that Taiwan is an “important symbol” of democracy in the world, and its people are determined to defend the island.

“It is clear to the international community that protecting Taiwan’s security is tantamount to protecting regional stability and democratic values. If Taiwan’s democratic freedoms are destroyed, it will be a serious defeat for democracies around the world,” Tsai said.