Taiwan officials increase rhetoric against Beijing following end of 20th party congress

With the conclusion of China’s 20th party congress, Taipei has doubled down on its rhetoric against Beijing as Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party seeks to turn up the heat ahead of local government elections next month.

But analysts said that such rhetorical conflict fuels bilateral animosity and might trigger unintentional incidents that could undermine the chance of cross-strait peace.

In a legislature meeting on Wednesday, Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu condemned Beijing for posing “greater security threats” and “fiercer diplomatic squeezes” as President Xi Jinping secured his third five-year term as leader of the Communist Party.

“We have received some warning signs through our intelligence,” Wu said, referring to the potential loss of some of Taiwan’s remaining 14 allies, though he declined to elaborate.

To strengthen ties, Wu said that Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen might consider visiting some of those remaining allies next year.

Wu also said that Beijing was expected to intensify its threats against Taiwan, citing its increased preparations for war with the island.