Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, says his country wants dialogue with China but still needs to prepare for war. Lai, who is marking a year in power, rejects Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over the self-ruled island.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday said that while Taiwan was ready to have exchanges with China, it also had to keep strengthening its defenses in the event that Beijing decided to assert its claim to sovereignty over the island with military force.

His remarks came as Lai — whom China has called a “separatist” while rejecting previous offers he has made for talks — marked one year in office.

He said Taiwan would keep strengthening its defense capabilities, adding that the best way to prevent a war happening was to prepare for it.