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
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
“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
While there are doubts as to whether the US can effectively support Ukraine against Russia and Israel against Hamas and its regional allies at the same time, does Beijing have the political, military and economic muscle to simultaneously handle three security challenges and then launch military operations against Taipei? That may be unlikely if the … Read more
Regardless of who wins the January 13 election, Chen and other representatives of Taiwanese businesses – from fish farms to chemical manufacturers – say they are now clear-eyed about the need to minimise as much as possible their dependence on trade with mainland China as they expect more turbulence in cross-strait relations. Beijing’s dilemma if … Read more
It sees both the DPP’s candidate, Vice-President William Lai Ching-te, the front runner in the presidential race, and his running mate Hsiao Bi-Khim, as dangerous “separatists” and “troublemakers”. Taiwan is also the “most dangerous” issue in China’s relationship with the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart Joe Biden in November. Who … Read more
“[The move] is part of our ongoing efforts to protect election integrity and support our community with authoritative information,” TikTok said on its website. 05:27 Taiwan election exposes generational rift over potential reunification with mainland China Taiwan election exposes generational rift over potential reunification with mainland China TikTok users would be directed to the guide … Read more
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
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
Beijing has slammed “pro-independence forces” in Taiwan for sowing chaos in the Asia-Pacific region, while once again warning of the rising risk of war if the island’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party continues to challenge its sovereignty. “Taiwan separatists are incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait and a source of chaos affecting the stability of … Read more
