Beijing pledges to lift curbs on Taiwan travel but waits for cue from William Lai

Travel between the island and the mainland has become increasingly limited since 2019 as cross-strait tensions triggered restrictions. “We sincerely invite Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland more often, and we are also happy to see mainland people visit the treasured island of our motherland,” Xi said, adding the exchanges could “promote trust and forge … Read more

Ma Ying-jeou’s mainland China trip shows he’s Beijing’s best hope to win Taiwanese hearts and minds

“Even though our political systems and perspectives may differ from those of the mainland, we are all descendants of the Yellow Emperor, belonging to the same Chinese nation,” Ma said upon returning to Taiwan on Thursday, wrapping up a trip he dubbed a “journey of peace”. “I also hope that the young people of Taiwan … Read more

Chinese Premier Li Qiang raises threat of ‘external interference’ in Taiwan during first ‘two sessions’ work report

Former premier Li Keqiang also mentioned foreign interference in his remarks at the NPC session in 2022, but the topic did not appear in any other government work report in the past decade. 02:40 Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers his first work report amid concerns about state of the economy Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers … Read more

Fatal fishing boat crash isn’t first tragedy to test Xi Jinping in Taiwan Strait, but tensions make ties harder to mend

The cases have some similarities but this time it could be much more difficult to negotiate a resolution, observers say. 02:20 Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit Both incidents happened amid a lack of communication and trust between the two sides. Like the … Read more

China’s Xi Jinping hails progress in integrating Hong Kong and Macau in speech ahead of Lunar New Year

As he did in previous years, Xi mentioned Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Taiwan, in his speech. “We have actively supported the better integration of Hong Kong and Macau into the overall development of the country,” Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping (centre) attends the Spring Festival gathering hosted by Premier Li Qiang … Read more

China experts urge Beijing to revive communication with Taiwan to avoid ‘miscalculation’

She urged Beijing to “listen to what Lai says and his inaugural address, observe his actions as a president and judge him by his statements and his actions going forward”, adding that it would be “unreasonable” for Beijing to draw a “hard and fast” assessment of Lai based on his past behaviour. ‘How far’ will … Read more

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen leaves tough legacy for president-elect William Lai

That warning has been echoed by prominent political figures, including Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who in a speech in April described tensions over the Taiwan Strait as the “most dangerous flashpoint” for conflict. Taiwan election: Lai’s victory risks further tensions with Beijing Observers said Tsai’s handling of cross-strait relations was the primary source … Read more

On eve of Taiwan elections, PLA warns it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to ‘crush’ separatism

“Full combat readiness, vigorous training, [Taiwan’s armed forces] are the guardians of national security and the defenders of freedom and democracy!” the post said. Who is running in Taiwan’s presidential race and what does it mean for Beijing? Taiwan will hold its presidential and legislative elections on Saturday. William Lai Ching-te, vice-president and candidate of … Read more

Taiwan’s presidential front runner William Lai picks de facto envoy to US as running mate

Taiwan’s opposition set for last-ditch talks on joint presidential ticket “I believe Bi-khim is definitely the best person when it comes to Taiwan’s foreign work today and she is also a rare diplomatic talent,” Lai said on Facebook on Monday. He said Hsiao had helped improve the island’s ties with Washington in recent years, and … Read more

Taiwan election: KMT’s Hou Yu-ih climbs in polls after collapse of joint ticket, but DPP’s William Lai still leads

KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and running mate Jaw Shaw-kong came in second place with the support of 31 per cent of respondents, while 23 per cent of respondents favoured the TPP’s Ko Wen-je, another Beijing-friendly candidate. Other polls conducted right after talks for the KMT and TPP to run on the same ticket collapsed … Read more