Analysis of Taiwan-China relations, covering cross-strait tensions, military drills, diplomatic developments, and regional security implications.
Taiwan's coast guard expelled four Chinese government ships from restricted waters 30 nautical miles southwest of Taiwan's southern tip on Sunday. Taiwan sent seven vessels to warn away the Chinese ships, and all four were expelled by late afternoon. Taiwan has reported a rise in Chinese coast guard activity over the past two weeks.
China's Ministry of Transport launched a special maritime traffic enforcement operation east of Taiwan on Saturday, citing the need to exercise maritime administrative jurisdiction. The move follows Japan-Philippine talks on maritime boundaries that potentially overlap with Taiwan. China sent its largest patrol ship and will conduct joint patrols with a coastguard formation.
Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Chinese Coast Guard patrols east of Taiwan are a 'provocative act' and that Taiwan's military will closely coordinate with its Coast Guard in responding. China's operation came after Japan and the Philippines announced talks on maritime boundaries.
The commentary argues that the Trump-Xi summit was more substantive than widely reported, particularly regarding Taiwan. It contends that the meeting marked a turning point in US-China rivalry management, drawing historical parallels to the Bush era to suggest that both sides are moving toward more predictable relations on cross-strait issues.
Mainland China has equipped frontline troops facing Taiwan with the new HQ-16F missile, which has comparable qualities to the US Patriot PAC2 and 3 systems. State broadcaster CCTV aired footage of the 73rd Group Army's first operational test in the Gobi Desert, where a missile successfully hit an incoming target 50km away.
Taiwan's Representative to the US, Alexander Tah-ray Yui, said he is not concerned about Taiwan being 'traded off' in US-China negotiations and stressed the need for a $14 billion US arms sale. Yui noted Trump's China visit did not shift US policy on Taiwan.
The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command said it remains on high alert after the Dutch frigate De Ruyter transited the Taiwan Strait, following an alleged airspace intrusion near the Paracel Islands. Spokesman Xu Chenghua stated naval and air forces handled the situation effectively, without providing details.
This commentary analyzes the Democratic Progressive Party's nomination of Puma Shen for Taipei mayor, arguing that his outspoken pro-independence stance and civil defense activism make him a long-shot candidate against popular KMT incumbent Wayne Chiang. It suggests the DPP's strategy is questionable given Taipei's traditional KMT leanings and Shen's weak poll numbers.
This commentary profiles Debby Huang, head of Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver, explaining the office's consular-like functions and its mission to strengthen ties with US states. Huang argues that the office builds relationships and investment, while helping Americans understand Taiwan's challenges, particularly the threat from China.
This commentary argues that discussions of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan focus too narrowly on military aspects, neglecting the more challenging question of post-conflict governance. It contends that ruling Taiwan would present unique difficulties due to its democratic institutions, strong identity, and global integration, imposing high long-term costs on China.