KINMEN (TVBS News) — Business tycoon Terry Gou sent a strong message to Beijing on Wednesday (Aug. 23), stating that the people of Taiwan will "not initiate a war, but will not back down from a fight either," in a speech at the Kinmen City Council to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment.
Paying homage to the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed themselves in the war in 1958, Gou acknowledged that their contributions paved the path for Taiwan's peace, stability, and economic development.
Gou reiterated the importance of ensuring cross-strait peace and called for China to maintain it amid the heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, saying, "The people of Taiwan will never take the initiative to provoke a war, but we will never shy away from it either."
"If there is a risk of war across the Taiwan Strait, we certainly will follow the spirit of the late soldiers during the 823 Artillery Bombardment, uniting together against our enemy till we emerge victorious," Gou added.
He urged Beijing to cease any military hostilities toward the island nation, as cross-strait issues can only be resolved through peaceful measures in a bid to maximize mutual benefits for people from both sides.
After Gou finished speaking, a woman from the Taiwan Statebuilding Party protested against him, accusing Gou as "a traitor selling out Taiwan to China" and claiming his declaration to promote peace in Kinmen has "compromised Taiwan's sovereignty."
Standing on stage when the chaos occurred, Gou did not seem to be affected, expressing his respect for everyone's right to express their opinions.