China organized a military exercise right after the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president.
Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te took the oath of office in the capital Taipei on Monday. Taiwan’s fifth democratically elected leader emphasized the stability of the Taiwan Strait in his inauguration speech.
China began a major military exercise off Taiwan just days later.
A week later, the exercise is over and the tone of the speech is more moderate than before, although at least seven Chinese planes, 14 ships and four coast guard vessels are still patrolling around the island.
Taiwan’s president said today that he remains ready to “build mutual trust and recognition” with China. During his campaign, Lai emphasized the island nation’s separateness from China. China traditionally views Taiwan’s position differently. According to China, Taiwan is a rebel province and the president a “dangerous separatist”.
The military exercise, which extended right to the shores of Taiwan, was even estimated to be a practice for taking over the island. Lai reminded at the inauguration that the international community will not allow the stability of the Taiwan Strait to be undermined.
The new president is more conciliatory than his predecessor
Taiwan’s previous president Tsai Ing-wen consistently emphasized Taiwan’s sovereignty. The new manager is on the same lines. President Tsai’s line irritated the Chinese leadership. China reduced political contact, stopped Chinese tourist visits to Taiwan, and restricted imports from Taiwan. The number of military exercises in Taiwan also increased during Tsai’s reign.
President Lai’s line is just being formed, but he is characterized as more conciliatory than his predecessor. The president wants to strengthen Taiwan without greatly irritating China.
Taiwan featured at the summit of the three economic powers
Tomorrow, the first summit meeting of China, Japan and South Korea in five years will be held in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. The combined share of the three countries in the world’s population and trade is about a fifth.
Prime Ministers of China and Japan Li Qiang and Japan Fumio Kishida meet their host the president By Yoon Suk-yeol in separate meetings before tomorrow’s summit.
The meeting is expected to focus on economic topics, but the situation in the South China Sea and especially the geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China will also be discussed.
It has been estimated in advance that China considers Japan’s and South Korea’s restrained attitude towards Taiwan as a condition for increasing trade and other cooperation.
AFP, AP