Taiwan Strait

Taiwan finds concerns grow and options shrink as mainland China increases patrols around Taipei-controlled Quemoy

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Taiwan finds concerns grow and options shrink as mainland China increases patrols around Taipei-controlled Quemoy

Since late February, the mainland coastguard has deployed several dozen ships in at least nine missions to patrol the waters surrounding Quemoy and Matsu, another of Taiwan’s defence outposts. 02:20 Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit These patrols, which were previously rare, were … Read more

Mainland China lashes out after Taiwan’s incoming leader William Lai invokes Japan to warn of cross-strait risks

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Mainland China lashes out after Taiwan’s incoming leader William Lai invokes Japan to warn of cross-strait risks

Beijing has lashed out at Taiwanese president-elect William Lai Ching-te for “ingratiating” himself with Japan, less than two weeks before he is sworn in. Lai said on Wednesday that he hoped to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and Japan during his term in office, create economic prosperity for both sides, and “jointly maintain peace and stability … Read more

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

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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

Taiwan’s president-elect calls for ‘healthy dialogues’ with Beijing in party-to-party talks

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Taiwan’s president-elect calls for ‘healthy dialogues’ with Beijing in party-to-party talks

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

Opinion | Taiwan’s incoming government faces tough task to win back public

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Opinion | Taiwan’s incoming government faces tough task to win back public

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

Taiwan Strait may face ‘political tsunami’ in 2025 but young hearts can save the day: mainland China journal

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Taiwan Strait may face ‘political tsunami’ in 2025 but young hearts can save the day: mainland China journal

Lai might adopt “low profile” and “moderate” cross-strait policies after taking office next month, and was unlikely to declare “de jure Taiwan independence” any time soon, the article said. But, in the long term, Lai might bring “high” risks such as decoupling with the mainland economy, and even “very high” risks of “causing major accidental … Read more

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

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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

A second KMT leader from Taiwan plans a visit to mainland China next week

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A second KMT leader from Taiwan plans a visit to mainland China next week

Hau Lung-bin, a former mayor of Taipei, will visit mainland China next week, following the “journey of peace” visit by former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou which began this week. Speaking on a radio programme on Wednesday, Hau, the son of former Taiwan premier Hau Pei-tsun, said he would spend three to four days visiting central … Read more

‘Subtle message’: Taiwan poll reveals ‘big gap’ between defence chief, public over military threats

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‘Subtle message’: Taiwan poll reveals ‘big gap’ between defence chief, public over military threats

“No one can say for sure” that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would not attack Taiwan in the near term, he said, adding that “hostility has continued to rise and there are many unexpected situations that could trigger unintended incidents”. Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng has said he could not “sleep well at night” because … Read more

Taiwan to stage offshore live-fire military drills after several recent incidents in the same area

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Taiwan to stage offshore live-fire military drills after several recent incidents in the same area

Taiwan will kick off a series of live-fire military drills next month in the area around its offshore islets, including Quemoy, a source of mounting friction between Taipei and Beijing following a series of recent marine incidents. The Kinmen Defence Command under the Taiwanese army will stage artillery exercises to bolster combat readiness at seven … Read more