China has pledged 'peaceful reunification' with Taiwan.
Taiwan president to say no backing down on sovereignty.
TAIPEI, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will pledge to defend the island's sovereignty and democracy in a major speech on Sunday, saying it faces challenges more complex and severe than ever, at a time when tensions with China have risen.
Tsai will reiterate Taiwan's full determination to defend itself and maintain regional peace and stability, and also stress Taiwan will not "advance rashly".
1/2 Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attends a gala on the eve of Taiwan's National Day at Hsinchu Air Force Base in Hsinchu, Taiwan October 9, 2021.
Taiwan reacted angrily to the speech, saying only Taiwan's people have the right to decide their own future, and decrying China's coercive tactics.
Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Ann Wang in Hsinchu, Taiwan; editing by Philippa Fletcher. »