Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te has expressed confidence that he will win the January 2024 presidential election, despite possible interference by China.

Lai plans to run as the presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

He held a news conference for foreign media in Taiwan at the party headquarters in Taipei on Friday.

Regarding candidates from the two main opposition parties calling for increased exchanges with China, Lai said all opposition parties consider the acceptance of the "one-China" principle as a prerequisite for enhanced exchanges. He said achieving true peace through exchanges or cooperation is unattainable without acknowledging Taiwan's sovereignty.

Lai proposed four pillars to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait -- fortifying defense capabilities, strengthening economic security, deepening ties with democratic countries, and engaging in exchanges and cooperation with China while maintaining Taiwan's equality and dignity.

The media asked him whether he thinks China would escalate its threats toward Taiwan should he succeed President Tsai Ing-wen.

Lai said the Tsai administration's foreign, defense and China policies exude a sense of composure and resilience, earning high regard from the international community. He asserted that it's acknowledged globally that it's China, not Taiwan, that is responsible for raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Lai suggested China could interfere with the presidential race through various methods to prevent his election. But he said he believes the people of Taiwan will choose their next president with courage and unwavering resolve to protect democratic values.