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Taiwan

37 posts

Taiwan ruling party picks VP William Lai as presidential candidate

Taiwan’s ruling party nominated Vice President William Lai as its candidate for the 2024 presidential elections, a candidate who has been more outspoken on independence than incumbent Tsai Ing-wen.

Macron praised in China for ‘brilliant’ Taiwan comments

French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for “strategic autonomy” in Taiwan is being praised in China as a “brilliant decision” that is “relatively objective, rational and in line with Europe’s own interests.” While some Chinese social media users laud Macron’s independence, others are skeptical about France’s willingness to side with China over the US.

Solomons ‘disqualifies’ pro-Taiwan ex-provincial leader

Daniel Suidani, a former provincial leader of the Solomon Islands, has been “disqualified” by the pro-China government for his refusal to recognise Beijing over Taipei. The move follows Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s decision to switch the country’s diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. Suidani, who plans to challenge the decision in the High Court, has consistently refused to toe the line set by Sogavare, citing overwhelming support among people in Malaita for maintaining ties with Taiwan. The move comes at a time of growing Chinese influence in the Solomons and the wider Pacific.

Foxconn founder Guo announces Taiwan presidential run

Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, has announced his intention to seek the presidential nomination of Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang party, citing the need to “avoid war” with China. Gou warned that there is a risk of war breaking out anytime and that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) must be voted out to prevent this. Taiwan will elect its next leader in January 2024, with President Tsai Ing-wen set to step down in May of that year.

Taiwan says 1 Chinese aircraft, 3 warships detected around island

Chinese anti-submarine helicopter and warships detected around Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence stated that they monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond. China had threatened a “resolute” response to the meeting.

US House speaker meets Taiwan president despite Beijing’s threats

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen in California, prompting outrage from China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and opposes any official contact between Taipei and other countries. McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai, a compromise to underscore support for Taiwan without inflaming tensions with China, comes after Pelosi’s visit last year. China has responded with threats and rhetoric, and its response may be shaped by McCarthy’s public statements after the meeting. China’s consulate in Los Angeles condemned the meeting, stating it would hurt Chinese national feelings and undermine China-US relations.

China warns Philippine-US base deal ‘endangering regional peace’

China accused the US of endangering regional peace after it signed a deal with the Philippines allowing US troops to use four additional bases in the country, including one near the disputed South China Sea and another near Taiwan. The deal allows US forces to access a total of nine Philippine bases, in addition to storing defence equipment and supplies. The US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement aims to counter China’s increasing assertiveness over Taiwan and bases in the South China Sea.

Taiwan president makes tour stop in Belize after Honduras setback

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Belize to strengthen relations, following Honduras switching ties to Beijing. Tsai was welcomed with military honours and is expected to meet with Prime Minister John Briceno to reaffirm bilateral ties. Guatemala, which Tsai visited before Belize, has vowed to maintain “recognition of the sovereignty” of Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and does not allow other countries to recognize both Beijing and Taipei.

Taiwan probes suspected human smuggling after Vietnamese bodies found at sea

Taiwanese police found at least seven Vietnamese nationals’ bodies at sea, prompting the formation of a task force to investigate suspected human smuggling. Southeast Asia is a hub for human smugglers, and authorities have found at least 20 bodies at sea between February 18 and March 29, with investigations ongoing.

China vows to ‘fight back’ if Taiwan leader meets US speaker

China warns it will take “resolute measures” if Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen meets US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit to the United States. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes official ties with both Taipei and Beijing. Tsai is visiting Guatemala and Belize to strengthen diplomatic alliances before stopping in California on her way back to Taiwan. The US has called for calm, with a senior administration official stating that the stopover does not represent a change in US policy towards China.