President Lai Ching-te said that autocracy (專制主義), not democracy

(民主主義), is deserving of punishment (懲罰).

The president's remarks come in response to the recent threat (威脅) by

Chinese authorities (大陸官員) imposing the death penalty (死刑) on "diehard"

advocates (頑固的支持者) of Taiwan independence (臺獨).

The President added that China has no right nor jurisdiction (管轄權) to

punish Taiwanese people for expressing their opinions or stances, stating

that according to China's logic, not supporting unification (不支持統一) is

the same as supporting Taiwan independence (等於支持台灣獨立).

Lai called on (呼籲) China to accept the existence of the Republic of China

and engage in exchanges (交流) with Taiwan's democratically-elected

government.

He said that's the only way to protect the welfare (福利) of those on both

sides of the Taiwan Strait (台灣海峽兩岸).

The president also expressed condolences (表示慰問) to those impacted by the

deadly rain in southern China and said he hopes post-disaster reconstruction

(災後重建) goes well.

Meanwhile,

President Lai Ching-te welcomed Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister

(聖克里斯多福及尼維總理) Terrence Drew with a military salute ceremony

(軍禮儀式) in Taipei Monday.

Lai said that Drew's frequent visits to Taiwan demonstrated the nation's high

regard for bilateral ties (雙邊關係).

This is Drew's second state visit (國事訪問) since taking office in August

2022.

Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and human rights (人權)

and expressed commitment to deepening cooperation (深化合作) since their

diplomatic relations began in 1983.

President Lai also thanked Drew for calling for justice and demonstrating

staunch support for Taiwan on the international stage (國際舞台).

Drew said his ongoing trip to Taiwan held "great importance", and thanked

Taiwan for its support and technical assistance (技術援助) and underscored

Taiwan's significant global economic role and contributions to various global

challenges.

The visit included a 21-gun salute and national anthems (國歌), with both

Drew and Lai inspecting honor guards.

Drew's delegation, which arrived Saturday for a five-day visit, includes his

wife and senior cabinet members.

The European Union's foreign policy chief (歐盟外交政策負責人) says a plan

has been devised to ensure (確保) Ukraine receives funds through Russian

frozen assets (凍結的俄羅斯資產).

EU foreign ministers convened (召開會議) on how to navigate Hungary's

opposition to support for Kyiv.

Charles de Ledesma reports.

The viability (可行性) of a U.S.-backed proposal to wind down the war in Gaza

is in doubt … after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would

only agree to a “partial” cease-fire deal (部分停火協議) that would not end

the war.

His comments were made in an interview with a pro-Netanyahu Israeli TV

channel and sparked an uproar (引起強烈反應) from families of hostages held

by Hamas.

This comes as Israel's Defense Minister (國防部長) Yoav Gallant is in

Washington DC for what he's describing as "critical" talks (關鍵會談) on the

fighting in Gaza and escalating tensions on the border with Lebanon,

exchanges of fire which are stoking fears of an all-out war (全面戰爭).

Benji Hyer reports.

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