Latest news with #LaiChingTe
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Trump doesn't know how to deal with China. His cowardice only makes a war with Taiwan more likely
The belief that bad things come in threes is an old superstition with scant basis in fact. Still, in these disordered times, it's natural to wonder whether war in Europe and the Middle East will be followed by war in Asia. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, firing off insults and missiles, recently demonstrated how real that prospect is. Emboldened by its alliance with Russia, North Korea's unpredictable rogue regime threatens almost everyone. Yet it is China's accelerating confrontation with US-backed Taiwan that forms the most alarming panel in this gloomy Asian triptych. China's president, Xi Jinping, has reportedly told his generals to be ready by 2027 to conquer the self-governing island, which he regards as stolen sovereign territory. US officials warned last week that China already has sufficient capability to invade now, with amphibious landing craft, D-day-style floating docks, paratroopers and expanded air combat and missile forces in a constant state of readiness. Recent intimidating offshore military exercises – pessimists call them 'rehearsals' – and propaganda and disinformation offensives suggest that politically, too, Beijing is preparing for a fight. It denounces Lai Ching-te, elected Taiwan's president last year, as a pro-independence 'destroyer of peace'. For his part Lai is talking tough, describing China as a 'hostile foreign force' and enacting '17 strategies' to curb sabotage and spying. A new Taiwanese TV drama, Zero Day, depicts the frightful impact of an invasion on an unprepared nation. While cross-straits tensions are certainly high, a war between China and Taiwan has often been predicted but has so far been avoided. Since 1979, when the US established diplomatic relations with Beijing and de-recognised Taiwan (while pledging to help it defend itself), peace has held. But calculations change and complacency is dangerous. China is vastly more powerful now than it was 10 or 20 years ago. And for Xi, who turns 72 in June, unification is a legacy project. A range of other factors may be pushing Xi towards a fateful decision, notably Donald Trump's strange mix of anti-China aggression and personal weakness. The US president could hike his punitive tariffs on China's exports at any moment, threatening an estimated 9m manufacturing jobs. His hostility towards the US's biggest rival is evident, seen again last week in discriminatory curbs on technology transfers and Chinese student visas. These crude attempts to damage a Chinese economy struggling with sluggish post-Covid growth and high unemployment are akin to holding a gun to Xi's head. Does Trump realise how deeply provocative this is? Chinese Communist party control ultimately depends not on elections but on economic success and shared prosperity. Deliberately or not, Trump is assaulting the foundations of the CCP's power and authority. If pushed too hard, and egged on by hardline nationalist cadres, there's a risk Xi could call Trump's bluff with two questions. Does he want a trade war or a real war? Or would he prefer to cut a deal instead – and abandon Taiwan? Were China to obstruct Taiwanese maritime traffic, launch covert cyber-attacks on Taiwan, or impose a full naval and aerial blockade that fell short of all-out invasion, it could force Trump into a humiliating climbdown. It's no secret Washington opinion is split over defending Taiwan militarily. Under Trump, the longstanding policy of 'strategic ambiguity' has turned into one of chronic pusillanimity. Trump doesn't want a war in east Asia, and Beijing knows it. It also rightly suspects that, like bullies everywhere, his aggressive bluster conceals a coward's weakness. He refuses to fight for Ukraine, a core western interest, and kowtows to Russian aggression. He's terrified Israel will start full-scale wars with Iran and Syria, drawing in the US. His policies are driven by self-interest, money and fear, not principles, treaties or laws. So when people ask if Trump will fight for Taiwan, the answer is not really in serious doubt. In recent months Trump has suggested that Taiwan, like European Nato countries, is exploiting the US security umbrella and not paying enough for its own defence. He has criticised Taipei for supposedly monopolising the semi-conductor market at the expense of US jobs, and imposed tariffs on its exports. None of this inspires confidence in his approach, should a crisis occur. Some American commentators argue that Taiwan is a bear trap, to be avoided at all costs – music to Xi's ears. Security researchers Jennifer Kavanagh and Stephen Wertheim recently argued in Foreign Affairs that US leaders need a middle path. 'Instead of clarifying its commitment to defend Taiwan, Washington should … downplay the importance of keeping the island out of Beijing's hands,' they wrote. To many, that will sound like surrender. Amid this policy confusion, Taiwan presents a vulnerable target. Lai's tough line is opposed by many in Taipei, where political schisms are purposely inflamed by Beijing. Defence spending is rising, but not fast enough. Promised US weapons don't arrive. The island's notional borders are breached at will by Chinese ships and aircraft. Its armed forces and military doctrines require urgent modernisation. These problems may improve over time – which is another reason why Xi may not wish to wait. Conventional wisdom suggests Beijing prizes geopolitical and economic stability above all else. But what if this comfortable assumption is wrong? Xi surely frames the battle for Taiwan as part of the wider contest between the US and China for regional partners, military superiority and global hegemony. Now a golden opportunity is arising. Thanks to Trump's chaotic tariffs, domestic firefights, isolationist policies and wanton disruption of European and Asian alliances, the US now looks beatable. In China, three is considered a lucky number. Hong Kong returned to the fold in 1997, followed by Macau in 1999. Xi wants to complete the hat-trick before he's done dictating. Watching Trump's Crazy Gang White House carry on, China's leader could be forgiven for thinking Taiwan – and its American protectors – are there for the taking. Simon Tisdall is a Guardian foreign affairs commentator
NHK
6 days ago
- General
- NHK
Taiwanese authorities on alert for Chinese aircraft carrier sailing off Taiwan
Taiwan's defense ministry says it is on high alert for the Chinese navy aircraft carrier Liaoning sailing in waters off Taiwan's southeast. A ministry official made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday. Chinese aircraft carriers are said to be frequently deployed off Taiwan's east coast when China's military conducts drills. The official stressed that the ministry is totally aware of the situation and closely monitoring China's every move. But it declined to comment on military exercises. The Taiwanese authorities said a Chinese government vessel and nine navy ships, as well as 31 sorties of fighter jets, drones and other aircraft were spotted around Taiwan in the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. on Wednesday. They said some of the aircraft entered airspace in the north, center, southwest and east of Taiwan. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to enhance defense capabilities at his news conference last week marking one year in office. He apparently had Beijing's increasing military pressure on Taiwan in mind.
Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Taiwan says China being provocative, ignoring olive branches
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is accused of being a dangerous 'separatist' by China. (AFP pic) TAIPEI : China is being provocative with an 'extreme pressure' campaign against Taiwan and is intentionally ignoring the island's olive branches and goodwill, its top China policymaker told Reuters, as Beijing ratchets up its tactics against Taipei. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory despite the rejection of that position by the democratic and separately governed island, has stepped up military and political pressure on it, calling president Lai Ching-te a dangerous 'separatist'. Since Lai took office in May last year, China has held at least three rounds of major war games around Taiwan, while also threatening the death penalty for 'diehard' supporters of its independence, and setting up hotlines to report such activity. Mainland affairs council minister Chiu Chui-cheng said Beijing should own up to its responsibility for stoking tension by exerting 'extreme pressure' which includes almost daily military incursions near Taiwan and public influence campaigns. 'It's true that we don't see any sincerity from mainland China,' Chiu said this week, speaking in his office in central Taipei. He repeated the government's offer for talks with China based on equality and respect, but without Beijing's political preconditions. 'We have made a lot of effort and offered many olive branches,' Chiu added. 'We are a democratic country and it is impossible for us to accept your political premise of eliminating the Republic of China, belittling Taiwan or treating Taiwan as part of the People's Republic of China.' The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and that remains the island's formal name. No peace treaty has ever been signed, and neither government recognises the other. Asked today about Taiwan saying it was showing goodwill towards China, a spokesman for China's Taiwan affairs office said it was an 'objective fact' the island was part of China. 'Scheming for Taiwan's independence and secession means there is no way to talk about cross-strait dialogue and consultations,' spokesman Chen Binhua told reporters in Beijing. 'It will only undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.' China a 'hostile force' In March, Lai called China a 'foreign hostile force', saying it had deepened its influence campaigns and infiltration tactics against the island, while pledging measures to tackle Beijing's efforts to 'absorb' Taiwan. An angry China responded with a new round of war games. 'We were just explaining the facts to everyone,' Chiu said of Lai's description of China. 'The serious threat level to Taiwan from mainland China, the Beijing authorities, can be described as extreme pressure pressing ever closer.' Chiu said China's hotlines to report supposed separatist activity, which Beijing says generated 6,000 reports, had only served to sow fear amongst Taiwan's sizeable business community in China, spurring some to leave. He compared such 'indiscriminate reporting' to actions during the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976 in China, referring to the decade of chaos and violence unleashed after Mao declared class war, turning neighbours and families against each other. 'I myself have heard many of our Taiwanese business people say, 'We have been in mainland China for 30 to 40 years, and we are willing to stay here even if the economy is bad, but living in an environment where we are on edge and worried about being reported day and night, that's why I decided to leave.''
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
China being provocative, ignoring olive branches, top Taiwan policymaker says
TAIPEI, May 28 (Reuters) - China is being provocative with an "extreme pressure" campaign against Taiwan and is intentionally ignoring the island's olive branches and goodwill, its top China policy maker told Reuters, as Beijing ratchets up its tactics against Taipei. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory despite the rejection of that position by the democratic and separately governed island, has stepped up military and political pressure on it, calling President Lai Ching-te a dangerous "separatist". Since Lai took office in May last year, China has held at least three rounds of major war games around Taiwan, while also threatening the death penalty for "diehard" supporters of its independence, and setting up, opens new tab hotlines to report such activity. Mainland Affairs Council minister Chiu Chui-cheng said Beijing should own up to its responsibility for stoking tension by exerting "extreme pressure" which includes almost daily military incursions near Taiwan and public influence campaigns. "It's true that we don't see any sincerity from mainland China," Chiu said this week, speaking in his office in central Taipei. He repeated the government's offer for talks with China based on equality and respect, but without Beijing's political preconditions. "We have made a lot of effort and offered many olive branches," Chiu added. "We are a democratic country and it is impossible for us to accept your political premise of eliminating the Republic of China, belittling Taiwan or treating Taiwan as part of the People's Republic of China." The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, and that remains the island's formal name. No peace treaty has ever been signed, and neither government recognises the other. Asked on Wednesday about Taiwan saying it was showing goodwill towards China, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office said it was an "objective fact" the island was part of China. "Scheming for Taiwan's independence and secession means there is no way to talk about cross-Strait dialogue and consultations," spokesperson Chen Binhua told reporters in Beijing. "It will only undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." In March, Lai called China a "foreign hostile force", saying it had deepened its influence campaigns and infiltration tactics against the island, while pledging measures, opens new tab to tackle Beijing's efforts to "absorb" Taiwan. An angry China responded, opens new tab with a new round of war games. "We were just explaining the facts to everyone," Chiu said of Lai's description of China. "The serious threat level to Taiwan from mainland China, the Beijing authorities, can be described as extreme pressure pressing ever closer." Chiu said China's hotlines to report supposed separatist activity, which Beijing says generated 6,000 reports, had only served to sow fear amongst Taiwan's sizeable business community in China, spurring some to leave. He compared such "indiscriminate reporting" to actions during the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976 in China, referring to the decade of chaos and violence unleashed after Mao declared class war, turning neighbours and families against each other. "I myself have heard many of our Taiwanese business people say, 'We have been in mainland China for 30 to 40 years, and we are willing to stay here even if the economy is bad, but living in an environment where we are on edge and worried about being reported day and night, that's why I decided to leave.'"
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Taiwan pledges to buy more American goods as a 32% tariff looms
Taiwan 's president on Tuesday pledged to buy more American goods, including natural gas and oil, as the self-governing island seeks closer ties with the U.S. while threatened with a 32% tariff from the Trump administration. By purchasing more U.S. products that also include weapons and agricultural goods, Taiwan would not only create 'more balanced bilateral trade' with the U.S. but also boost its energy autonomy and resilience, said Lai Ching-te, the island's leader, while hosting a U.S. congressional delegation. Lai also said the island would be willing to participate in U.S. efforts to reindustrialize and to lead the world in artificial intelligence. Rep. Bruce Westerman, chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, told Lai that the U.S. produces a lot of food and fiber and is 'always looking for more friends to share that with.' Trade and economic ties between Taiwan and the U.S. have grown closer in recent years. The island faces rising pressure from China, which sees the island as part of Chinese territory and vows to annex it, by force if necessary. Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself, and politicians — both Republicans and Democrats — have come to believe it is in the U.S. interest to deter Beijing from attacking Taiwan. Many policymakers and analysts have argued that arming Taiwan includes not only weapons sales but closer economic and trade ties so the island is less vulnerable to economic coercion from the mainland. The U.S. is now the top destination for Taiwan's foreign investments, including $165 billion by Taiwan's semiconductor giant TSMC to build factories in Arizona to make advanced chips. The island also is the 7th largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, Lai said. However, the U.S. buys far more from Taiwan and had a trade deficit of $116.3 billion in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The 32% tariff, as proposed by President Donald Trump as part of his sweeping tariff plan, is on hold except a 10% baseline duty. Earlier this month, Lai downplayed the trade tensions between the U.S. and Taiwan as 'frictions between friends.' The congressional delegation stopped in Taipei as part of the group's larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region through Thursday, according to American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. diplomatic mission on the island.
