As China held a massive military parade, Taiwan emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through military threats, underscoring rising cross-strait tensions.

On the same day China showcased its military might in a grand parade, Taiwan issued a strong statement rejecting the idea that peace can be built through weapons or intimidation. Taiwanese officials stressed that true peace requires dialogue, democracy, and mutual respect—not the show of force displayed across the Taiwan Strait.

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China’s Military Parade

Beijing’s parade featured advanced missiles, fighter jets, and armored vehicles, underlining its growing military strength. The event was designed to project confidence both domestically and internationally, reinforcing China’s narrative of rising global influence.

For Taiwan, however, the parade was seen as a stark reminder of Beijing’s continued pressure and refusal to renounce the use of force in unification efforts.

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Taiwan’s Response

In its statement, Taiwan’s government declared that:

• Peace cannot be imposed through force: Military intimidation only deepens divisions.
• Dialogue is essential: Taiwan advocates communication and cooperation over threats.
• Democracy must be respected: The will of the Taiwanese people, expressed through democratic governance, cannot be undermined by displays of power.

This response underscored Taiwan’s determination to maintain its sovereignty while appealing to the international community for support.

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Rising Cross-Strait Tensions

China has intensified military exercises near Taiwan in recent years, raising concerns about a potential conflict in the region. For Taiwan, each military display is both a reminder of the risks it faces and an opportunity to rally domestic and international backing for its cause.

By contrasting its democratic values with Beijing’s militarism, Taiwan aims to draw a clear line between coercion and cooperation.

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Global Reactions

International observers took note of the sharp contrast between China’s parade and Taiwan’s message:

• United States and allies: Reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Taiwan’s security and regional stability.
• Neighboring nations: Expressed concern over the growing militarization of the region.
• Global media: Highlighted Taiwan’s statement as a symbolic stand against authoritarian intimidation.

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Conclusion

As China celebrated its parade with a show of military power, Taiwan countered with a message rooted in peace, democracy, and dialogue. The statement that “peace cannot come from the barrel of a gun” reflects not just Taiwan’s stance, but also a broader global debate on how conflicts should be resolved in the 21st century.

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