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Taiwan went to the polls in a critical presidential election on January 13, 2024.
In trip rife with symbolism, former island leader meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing and makes it clear force not an option for Chinese on both sides of strait.
Harrowing images from quake-hit island call for swift humanitarian response despite strained cross-strait relations and fears for vital semiconductor sector.
The new DPP administration under William Lai – and even the United States – must realise that it is in everyone’s interest to adhere to the one-China principle.
Despite what most Western pundits think, both sides will test each other’s intentions in a way that may lead to a temporary easing of tensions.
- Coastguards based in Fujian have been increasingly active around the Taipei-held island since an incident when two fishermen died in February
- The patrols and continued PLA activity keep up the pressure on Taiwan ahead of the inauguration later this month of president-elect William Lai
Allies and partners described as more willing and comfortable to stand alongside Washington when they understand stance espouses ‘peace and stability’.
Lai must deflect the risk of war by improving relations with mainland China, Fu says after trip to Beijing.
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.
In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look at the latest in cross-strait relations, with independence-leaning William Lai Ching-te set to take over as Taiwan president next month.
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.
Weeks ahead of his inauguration, William Lai Ching-te says Beijing should ‘have confidence’ in talking to the island’s ‘elected legitimate’ government.
William Lai Ching-te’s ministerial team is expected to show Lai has no desire to alter cross-strait status quo: analysts.
‘Uncertainty’ sparked by election of William Lai as president may worsen if Trump returns to power, article in Taiwan affairs journal warns.
Island’s former leader also calls on William Lai to ‘confirm the one-China framework’.
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.
‘Foreign interference’ cannot stop historic trend of ‘family reunion’, Xi Jinping says, as Ma Ying-jeou becomes first serving or former Taiwan president to meet top leadership on the mainland.
Taiwan’s military will carry out a series of life-fire exercises around its outpost of Quemoy next month to improve combat readiness
Ex-leader will be accompanied by 20 students who will ‘seek out their roots’ in bid to boost cross-strait relations at a time of heightened tensions.
Independence-leaning DPP and other parties that rose out of the 2014 protests are losing popularity, but youth increasingly drives the island’s politics.
During a meeting with lawmakers, island authorities defend coastguard actions in an incident that led to the deaths of two mainland fishermen last month.
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.
Taiwanese legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu of the KMT is expected to become chair of the Beijing-sanctioned Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, but some in the ruling DPP are concerned he could use the group to advance cross-strait ‘integration work’.
The move adds to the pressure on Taiwan’s air defences and could limit its scope to respond in the event of coming under attack.
Deaths of two mainland Chinese fishermen show the need for opening up lines of communication with Taiwan, observers say.
Move to ‘maintain operational order and safeguard fishermen’s lives and property’ comes days after Beijing condemned the deaths of two fishermen off Quemoy during a chase by Taiwanese coastguard.
Academic says public must understand Taiwan’s small allies are important in helping raise motions in UN to support taking part in international organisations.
Beijing faces a dilemma as it tries to balance the election of William Lai with domestic challenges and the US factor, analysts say. They expect ‘more carrots than sticks’ in cross-strait policy, as well as efforts to bring ‘division and instability into Taiwanese society’.
Book by former security chief Su Chi says Ma had ignored advice to correct ‘misconceptions’ about mainland China
After Nauru’s diplomatic switch from Taipei, experts are watching for shifts in regional security, balance of power.
TAO director Song Tao says January election results show the island’s ruling party does not represent the Taiwanese public.
Readers discuss how the country can win over people, what normal looks like in Hong Kong, and Article 23 legislation.
