“Especially if military purchases became the absurd and contemptuous ‘protection money’ referred to by US presidential candidate Donald Trump. The defence budget would become a financial black hole that could cripple Taiwan’s finances and only benefit the US military-industrial complex.” In an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek in late June, Trump said it was “stupid” for … Read more
Wang’s office said the trip was purely for “personal religious purposes” and had nothing to do with politics. Wang was joined at the temple on Sunday morning by Jiangsu’s Taiwan affairs chief Lian Yueqin. Taiwanese daily China Times reported on Sunday that Wang might pay a courtesy visit to the Taiwan Affairs Office, the mainland … Read more
“Due to political considerations, the WHO has continued to exclude Taiwan. This undermines the WHO’s efforts to create a more comprehensive global health architecture,” Taiwan’s semi-official Central News Agency quoted new Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan as saying in Geneva. Chiu said the WHO should align its actions with this year’s assembly theme of “All for … Read more
Lai’s inauguration marks an unprecedented third term for the DPP. However, unlike Tsai when she became president in 2016, Lai made no mention of the 1992 consensus in his address. The consensus is a tacit agreement between Beijing and Taipei that there is one China but each side of the Taiwan Strait can have its … Read more
He also urged the island’s residents not to harbour any illusions about Beijing. “So long as China refuses to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, all of us in Taiwan ought to understand that even if we accept the entirety of China’s position and give up our sovereignty, China’s ambition to annex Taiwan will … Read more
Observers have suggested that by showcasing Ma’s visit, China is sending a message to Lai and reaffirming its pursuit of peaceful reunification with Taiwan, despite escalating tensions that have caused concern among regional powers and Western nations. Both sides sought to strike a conciliatory tone. “There is no grudge that cannot be resolved. No problem … Read more
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
His remarks came amid soaring cross-strait tensions. Beijing has denounced Lai as a “troublemaker” and an “obstinate separatist”, and has tried to downplay the significance of the ruling party’s electoral victory. The DPP won just 40 per cent of the ballot and lost its majority in the legislature. Earlier this month, Taiwan’s former leader Ma … Read more
The following week, mainland Chinese coastguard troops boarded and searched a Taiwanese cruise ship near Quemoy. Two Taiwanese fishermen were also detained on March 18, one of whom was handed back. The other remains in mainland custody after being found to be a Taiwanese soldier. Given Quemoy’s proximity to the mainland, Taiwan would probably struggle … Read more
“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
