Taiwan president tells military graduates being battle-ready keeps the peace

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen attends the annual Han Kuang military drill in Penghu, Taiwan May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Peace can only be achieved if troops are battle-ready, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told new military graduates on Friday, as the United States prepared to sell $1.42 billion (1.09 billion pounds) in new arms to the self-ruled island, a move sure to anger Beijing.

"Peace is not a matter of course...," Tsai said. "Only by actively preparing for battle can the battle be stopped. Only with our own strength can peace be maintained."