As Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections approach on January 13, Beijing has increased pressure on the island through ramped-up military activity and threats. The China's Taiwan Affairs Office encourages the Taiwanese people to promote peaceful reunification, claiming it's a common desire on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. China continues to assert that Taiwan's government is exaggerating military threats for political gain. In response, Taiwan's Defence Ministry vows to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Taiwan's presidential candidates, including Vice President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, pledge to maintain the status quo in relations with Beijing and to reinforce the country's defenses.