Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu calls for peace, unity on National Day

Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said Friday that a war across the Taiwan Strait must never occur as Taiwan pursues freedom and democracy, while also calling for an end to partisan infighting.

"As [we] pursue freedom and democracy, we must never allow a war to break out across the Taiwan Strait, nor can we continue to allow endless partisan infighting," Han said in a speech at the National Day ceremony in Taipei.

Now in its 114th year, the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, is facing greater challenges than expected, said Han, who chaired the ceremony held in front of the Presidential Office building.

He cited a range of domestic issues, including mountains and paddy fields damaged by solar panels installations and the illegal extraction of sand and gravel from farmland in Meinong, Kaohsiung -- an area dubbed "Meinong Gorge."

Han also indirectly criticized the Democratic Progressive Party administration, saying its "de-Sinicization" policies could increase the risk of war and that its ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States could endanger Taiwan's future.

In conclusion, Han said he hoped to promote further legislative reforms and greater cooperation among political parties to help create a government that serves all 23 million citizens with political integrity and a fair judicial system.