Trump moves quietly to counter Chinese pressure on Taiwan
China’s pressure on Taiwan is growing. In addition to naval bullying in the Taiwan Strait, the Chinese government is leveraging its influence over poor countries to apply indirect pressure.
TL;DR
- China is escalating pressure on Taiwan beyond naval bullying.
- Beijing is leveraging influence over poor countries to apply indirect pressure.
- Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, had to cancel an African trip due to China pressuring nations to deny airspace access.
- China views Taiwan as its territory and pursues "reunification" under Xi Jinping's "national rejuvenation" policy.
- Xi Jinping met with Taiwan's opposition party leader, Cheng Li-wun, in Beijing, seen as a power play to weaken Taiwan by exploiting political divisions.