Taiwan is already independent and sovereign as it elects its own president, the self-governed island’s presidential frontrunner said.

Vice president William Lai, who is leading in opinion polls to be elected the next pesident in the January elections, had previously said he could keep the peace with China if elected.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a part of China and has pressed on the island to reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan has been self-ruled since it split from the mainland in 1949 following a civil war and maintains official diplomatic relations with 13 small nations.

In an interview with Japanese media, Mr Lai said he does not seek to change the status quo or Taiwan’s name, which is formally the Republic of China.

He said Taiwan regularly elects leaders at all levels of government from the grassroots to the president, which shows the island is “sovereign and independent”.