Taiwan leader says armed conflict with China not an option

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said Monday she is committed to boosting the self-ruled island's defense capabilities, but armed confrontation with China is "absolutely not an option" despite escalating tensions in cross-strait relations.In a speech to mark the 111th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, as Taiwan calls itself, Tsai said her administration is willing to work with Beijing and what they need is mutual respect.Her remarks calling for dialogue based on "rationality" and "equality" came as their ties have been even more strained since a high-profile visit to Taiwan…READ FULL ARTICLE