Taipei: Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has called on US President Donald Trump to help convince China to 'permanently renounce the use of force' against Taiwan. Lai expressed this sentiment during an interview with the US-based conservative podcast, The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, suggesting that if President Trump succeeds in persuading Chinese President Xi Jinping, he would be deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to Anadolu Agency, China regards Taiwan as a 'breakaway province' and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification with the mainland, which is separated from Taiwan by the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan, however, has maintained its independence since 1949, with Lai emphasizing that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait 'are not subordinate to each other.' He stated, "Taiwan is not a part of China and China does not have the right to invade Taiwan," as per a transcript released by Taiwan.

Lai's remarks come amidst reports that Beijing is seeking an official US declaration opposing Taiwan independence. Meanwhile, the US and China, the world's two largest economies, are engaged in tariff negotiations, with a meeting between Xi and Trump anticipated in South Korea on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this month.

Lai also criticized China's military exercises around Taiwan, asserting that they 'undermine peace and stability in the region.' He argued that the Taiwanese people's desire to preserve their sovereignty and pursue a democratic way of life should not be perceived as a provocation against China.

With Taiwan's national day approaching on October 10, Lai stressed, "Even though Taiwan faces increasing threats from China, Taiwan has not given up on seeking peace and mutual prosperity across the strait. We understand that peace is priceless and that there are no winners in war." He further added that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial for global security and prosperity, underscoring that Taiwan's pursuit of peace is grounded in strength and commitment.