Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed on Tuesday that democracy has flourished on the island despite the increasing pressure exerted by Beijing, pledging that her people will remain “free” for generations to come.

“The Taiwanese people will remain a democratic and free people for generations,” Tsai said in her National Day speech.

Tsai, who was speaking in front of the Taiwanese presidential headquarters, stressed that it was her duty to "protect our national sovereignty and the democratic and free way of life" of Taiwan's 23 million people.

Taiwan is witnessing military and political pressure from China, which considers it an integral part of its territory and pledges to return it by force if necessary.

China has increased the number of warplanes carrying out sorties around the island and also penetrating its airspace.

"In the face of enormous internal and external pressure, democracy in Taiwan has grown and flourished... and we have emerged stronger," Tsai said. She added, "Protecting democracy in Taiwan means protecting the universal value of democracy."

Peace is "the only solution"

On the other hand, Tsai seemed to adopt a conciliatory tone with Beijing, as she stressed that Taiwan wants “peaceful coexistence, with free and unrestricted interactions between the two peoples on both sides of the strait.”

"We are willing to take the general consensus in Taiwan as a basis... through a process of democratic dialogue and focus on maintaining the status quo to develop with the Beijing authorities a basis that is mutually acceptable for interaction, and a path toward peaceful coexistence," she said.

Likewise, the President of Taiwan reiterated that peace “is the only option across the Strait.”

She considered that "preserving the status quo, which constitutes the greatest common denominator for all parties, is the primary key to ensuring peace."

Beijing has intensified its threats and political and economic pressure on Taiwan since Tsai came to power in 2016, which refuses to yield to any Chinese demands regarding the island.

Last year, China organized massive military exercises around the island, simulating a siege, which raised concerns in Taipei and among its main allies, including the United States.

Tsai Ing-wen, who is in her final year in office, will not be able to run again due to the two-term limit.

National elections are scheduled for next January, and Tsai's deputy, Lai Qingli, is the most likely candidate at the moment. Lai had previously described himself as a "pragmatic Taiwanese independenceist."

His rivals, Hu Yue of the Kuomintang, traditionally known for championing a rapprochement with Beijing, and Ko Wen-ji of the smaller Taiwan People's Party, are seeking to foster closer ties with Beijing.