Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te said he is ready to engage in talks with mainland China on the condition of mutual respect and equality, Paralel.Az reports.

"If there’s mutual respect and equality between the two sides, Taiwan is willing to hold a dialogue with China. We want to engage in exchanges and cooperation for the benefit of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to create a peaceful and prosperous environment," he said.

The president-elect also pledged to maintain peace, stability and the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

"As president, I have an important responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," he said at a rally of supporters, which was broadcast by Taiwan's TVBS television. "I will act in accordance with our democratic and free constitutional order, <...> maintain the status quo on both sides of the strait in accordance with the principles of dignity and equality.".