China focused on expansion, not economy - Taiwan official - Video Dailymotion

Taiwan’s top security official Joseph Wu said China was prioritising expansionism and military power over fixing its economic and social issues.

Transcript

00:00China appears more focused on expansion abroad than on dealing with its own economic and social

00:06challenges, according to Taiwan's top security official Joseph Wu. He says that despite clear

00:13signs of economic weakness, Beijing's priorities seem to revolve around political purchase rather

00:19than recovery efforts. Wu pointed to last month's large military parade in Beijing,

00:27led by President Xi Jinping as a sign that China is pushing for global influence

00:32instead of focusing on domestic reform. Taiwan has accused Beijing of stepping up both military

00:39and diplomatic pressure. Wu reaffirmed that Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te is committed

00:44to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. But while Taiwan seeks peace, he insisted

00:51it must be backed by strength, reflected in the government's increased defense spending.

00:56Taiwan, he added, remains firm in its commitment to self-defense, but will not act as a provocator.