Topic
- US and Taiwanese forces hold rare joint drills in move experts say is signal of support for island’s defence ahead of William Lai’s inauguration
- However, Washington is being careful not to ruffle feathers as it hopes to avoid major blow to its improving ties with Beijing, according to analysts
Analysts say Taiwanese president-elect William Lai Ching-te still has chance to make goodwill gesture towards mainland China when he is sworn in, but few are optimistic that his speech will lead to warmer relations.
US commonly sends representatives to the ceremony, but Lai’s ascension to Taiwanese presidency on May 20 comes during unusually tense relations with China.
Beijing says five media and political figures from Taiwan will be subject to punitive measures, accusing them of provoking cross-strait hostility.
Taiwan’s authorities may have limited options in enforcing rules, with tougher action potentially escalating into unintended cross-strait conflict, say analysts.
Commemorative event for Japanese engineer sees William Lai, who takes office on May 20, hark back to remarks from Tokyo like ‘Taiwan’s security is a global issue’ and ‘Taiwan’s crisis is Japan’s crisis’.
Taipei’s de facto diplomatic envoy to the US under president-elect William Lai Ching-te also says most on the island ‘prefer the status quo’.
Mainland China sends mixed messages as island’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te prepares to take office, sending PLA planes in closest known fly-by while signalling goodwill through eased tourism and imports.
Coastguards based in Fujian have been increasingly active around the Taipei-held island since an incident when two fishermen died in February.
Just weeks before William Lai Ching-te takes office as Taiwanese leader, the Ministry of State Security issues warning to island’s ‘separatist forces’ and pledges to expand public support for peaceful reunification.
Travellers from the province will first be able to visit Matsu and then the main island of Taiwan, once direct sea services resume, official says.
DPP government says more than 760 statues of Chiang, who ruled the island for nearly three decades, will be swiftly removed.
William Lai Ching-te’s ministerial team is expected to show Lai has no desire to alter cross-strait status quo: analysts.
Next government has signalled it will continue current policy of diversifying trade links and developing core industries, including cybersecurity and defence
Analysts say former Taiwanese leader’s VIP visit to mainland could help Beijing amplify appeals for ‘peaceful reunification’ with the island and send well-timed message to Taiwan’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te.
Lai visited Hualien, the worst affected area, and urged rescue teams to ‘make the most of every minute’ as hundreds of people remain trapped in collapsed buildings.
White House says it is monitoring situation in self-ruled island and its potential impact amid recovery efforts in hard-hit eastern Hualien city.
The dead include three hikers and a truck driver killed by falling rocks in Hualien on the east coast of the island.
Clash between Taiwanese coastguard and mainland Chinese fishermen has some similarities with emergency Xi handled in 1990, but analysts say lack of trust between Beijing and Taipei could make resolution tougher this time.
In a sign Beijing is stepping up pressure on Taipei, fleet carried out vessel checks, fishing boat protection and issued warnings near Kinmen where mainland fishermen died, says China Coast Guard.
Academic says public must understand Taiwan’s small allies are important in helping raise motions in UN to support taking part in international organisations.
If Donald Trump defeats Joe Biden, the former US president’s unpredictability and America-first approach could prove a major headache for the incoming Taiwanese leader.
‘We look forward to the practical cooperation that’s going to happen between Nauru and China. The prospect is bright’: Nauru foreign minister Lionel Aingimea.
Readers discuss the implications of the election results, and why blockchain has a role to play in healthcare in mainland China.
The recommendation comes as cross-strait tensions are expected to rise following William Lai Ching-te’s victory in the island’s presidential election.
Observers said Tsai’s record on cross-strait relations, which deteriorated during her time in office, could create challenges for Lai, whose pro-independence stance might make him less willing to compromise with Beijing.
Beijing’s foreign ministry lodges protest with US after top diplomat Antony Blinken congratulates Lai, as embassies oppose ‘wrong signals’ on Taiwan.
‘China and other countries must also cherish’ Taiwan’s role in global chip industry, Lai says after victory on Saturday.
