TAIPEI (Reuters) -- Taiwan is "of course" a country and China lacks both the historical evidence and legal proof to back up its sovereignty claims, President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday in a strong rebuke to Beijing and its stepped up political and military pressure.
Taiwan tensions
Taiwan is 'of course' a country, president says in rebuke to China
Lai says island democracy's future can only be decided by its people
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te attends a coast guard drill in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on June 8. © Reuters
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