KINMEN, Taiwan: Taiwan cherishes its freedom and democracy and no "external force" can change its future, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Friday (Oct 25), visiting sensitive frontline islands next to China for the 75th anniversary of a key victory over communist forces. Taiwan has controlled Kinmen, and the Matsu islands to the north, since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. Lai told veterans and family