Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stated on Thursday that while China has no right to represent Taiwan, the island is open to cooperating with Beijing on issues like climate change.

This statement, made during a keynote address in Taipei, has drawn anger from China, which views Lai as a “separatist.”

Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty, declaring that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to one another.

He emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to defend its democracy and sovereignty while seeking peaceful and respectful dialogue with China.

Despite the tensions, he expressed a willingness to collaborate on global challenges, including climate change and regional security, Reuters has reported.

In response, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned Lai’s remarks, accusing him of provoking conflict and threatening peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Written by B.C. Begley