President Lai Ching-te took office in May, continuing the eight-year rule of the Democratic Progressive Party that rejects Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is a part of China. Lai made the remarks on Taiwan’s National Day.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed Thursday to “resist annexation” and that Taiwan is not “subordinate” to China, as Beijing ramps up the pressure on the self-ruled island it claims as its own.

Lai made the remarks as Taiwan celebrated its National Day against the backdrop of threats from China.

Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control, which Lai and his government vehemently oppose.