Taiwan won't give up freedom: President

TAIPEI, Oct 10: 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 on Saturday in a National Day speech, adding that boosting defences is not a provocation.

Beijing quickly denounced the speech, 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, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defence spending and modernising its armed forces.�" REUTERS