TAIPEI - Taiwan safeguarding its own security and refusing rule by China’s Communist Party should not be seen as a provocation, President Lai Ching-te ​said on Thursday, adding he hoped a new U.S. arms sale package can be approved soon.Democratically governed ‌Taiwan is ‌viewed by China as its own territory and Beijing has stepped up military ​and diplomatic pressure on the island.Speaking to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei, Lai reiterated his desire for talks based on “parity and respect” with China, but said Taiwan had a right to protect ⁠its interests and that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future.