Taiwan Indirectly Criticizes China’s Lack of Democracy in New Year Message

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen visits the 6th Army Command, ahead of Lunar New Year, in Taoyuan, Taiwan on Jan. 25, 2019. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

TAIPEI—Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen indirectly criticized China’s lack of freedom in a message to mark the start of the Lunar New Year on Feb. 5, saying she hoped ethnic Chinese all over the world could experience the “blessing” of democracy.

Self-governed Taiwan is China’s most sensitive issue and is claimed by Beijing as its sacred territory.