Violence and atrocities : #china

Showing posts with label #china. Show all posts

Sunday, November 27, 2022

President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan quits as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after loss in election

The vote in Taiwan has drawn global attention because the loss of President Tsai Ing-wen could become a bigger geopolitical flashpoint between China and the United States. Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after its poor performance in local elections. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) won major races including the capital Taipei. Prior to the election, President Tsai had described the election as a vote for democracy amid rising tensions with China. After the results came out, she admitted that - "the election results were not as expected... I should shoulder all the responsibility and I resign as DPP chairwoman immediately.” However, she will continue as president of the self-ruled island. These elections for local councils and city mayors theoretically have a domestic agenda and focused on local issues such as crime, housing and social welfare. Those elected will not have a direct say on Taiwan's policy regarding China. However, Ms Tsai and government officials had urged voters to use the elections to send a message about standing up for democracy, as Beijing increases pressure on the island. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen quits as party chair after local elections. The Chinese government perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, in due course of time, be part of the country.

A large section of Taiwanese people considers their self-ruled island to be distinct. It has its own form of government and a democratic system. However, tensions peaked in August when Beijing staged huge military drills around Taiwan. It was in a protest against the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island. The US has long walked a tightrope over Taiwan. Officially, it does not have any formal ties with Taiwan. In spite of that, it has also pledged to supply the island with defensive weapons and stressed that any attack by China would cause "grave concern." Taiwan has two major political parties. Their views differ on China. One of these is the Kuomintang (KMT). It consists of conservative business champions and traditionally seen as pro-China "doves." They advocate economic engagement with China and appear to favor unification while denying being pro-China. Their main rival is Ms Tsai's governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She had won a landslide victory in the 2020 national election. Her stand is Beijing needs to show respect to Taiwan. She also said Taipei would not bow to pressure.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Fresh row erupts between China and Taiwan over visit of Greg Hands, British Trade Policy Minister to Taiwan

There are indications that China has plans to make use of the massive civilian maritime fleet it has in order to transport military equipment to seize Taiwan. This appears to be the result of the visit of Greg Hands, the British Trade Policy Minister, to Taiwan. Photos in the social media reveal a massive military convoy of trucks, main battle tanks (MBT), and armored fighting vehicles (AFV) at civilian ports. These are moving in between passenger ships and car carriers. Chinese defense enthusiasts claim the design of the concept has a Taiwan operation in mind. China has its own fleet of roll-on-roll-over (RoRo) ships and dedicated car carriers. These can double up as amphibious transport vessels when required. In short, China wants to assert its claims over Taiwan and use every possible means. Photos in the media do not identify the port and the date of the military exercises. China had conducted such exercises in the past. Civilian Ship Armed With Tanks — Scary Images Reveal China’s ‘Notorious Plan’ To Invade & Annex Taiwan.

It seems, the civilian fleet can be commandeered under China’s January 2017 National Defense Transportation Law, which treats basic infrastructure and transport systems as “civil-military fusion assets”. This is as informed by Ian Easton, Senior Director of the Project 2049 Institute. On August 31 this year, seven dual-use amphibious ferries landing craft came to a Chinese beach near the Taiwan Strait. This is according to a defense analyst Tom Shugart. One of the RoRo ferries was the Bo Hai Heng Tong, a 15,000-ton multipurpose cargo ship. As Tom Shugart explains – “The ferry’s internal parking ‘lane’ is 1.6 miles long and three meters wide, spread across three decks. It translates into a vehicle cargo capacity almost three times that of a San Antonio-class amphibious warship (LPD-17).” Obviously, the plans of China appear to have a single agenda – Taiwan. Whether these weapons of warfare are actually used is anybody’s guess.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Japan rearming itself to deter China in East Asia

In order to boost its defense setup, Japan has recently signed a security pact with Australia. Its purpose is to boost practical defense cooperation between the two nations. Japan wants to re-arm itself in the next five years to deter China in East Asia. This partnership has come soon after Xi Jinping took charge as the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the third term. In October, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese confirmed the significance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific.” This is in conformity with the vision advocated by late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The agreement between Japan and Australia came with the concern mounting that China may intensify its military provocations against Taiwan following an unprecedented third term by Xi Jinping. Incidentally, after World War II, the defense policies of Japan have always been governed by pacifism. That concept is changing as Japan steps up its efforts to build its arms and ammunition to counter modernization of China's military. Japan Likely To Rearm By 2027 As China-Taiwan Tensions Heighten: Reports. Beijing appears rattled by Japan's newly developed bonding with Taiwan and it has described such bonding as dangerous.

A media report quotes Yoji Koda, a former commander of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force fleet, saying that Tokyo's trust in Beijing is vanishing. He attributes this to the rapid military build-up by Beijing and its flouting of an international court ruling that rejected China's claim over the South China Sea. Moreover, tensions have increased between Japan and China over the territory known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. Another factor is the disturbance in key shipping lanes that might arise if China takes over Taiwan. These shipping lanes supply nearly all of Japan's oil and many other materials it uses for manufacturing.

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Horror at Halloween in Seoul – stampede takes more than 150 lives

It was a day of sorrow in Seoul as more than 151 people died and more than 150 suffered injuries during Halloween celebrations. The venue was the Itaewon neighborhood famous for its crowded narrow streets. Dozens of people had cardiac arrests. An official of the fire brigade mentioned about dispatching more than 140 ambulances to the scene of the tragedy. 19 foreigners from Iran, Uzbekistan, China and Norway lost their lives in the stampede. Incidentally, Itaewon is a popular destination for people to celebrate Halloween in the South Korean capital. The incident apparently occurred because of a crush that resulted from the size of the crowd. Yoon Suk-yeol, the President of South Korea ordered officials to dispatch first aid teams and for hospital beds to be immediately available. South Korea declares national mourning after 151 killed in Halloween stampede. Media photographs showed many people lying prone on a street cordoned off by authorities as rescue workers tended to them. They carried out emergency first aid on several victims

Video footage showed yellow-jacketed policemen cordoning off the area around the site of the crush as rescue officials loaded the victims into ambulances. Blankets covered some of them. Nearly two dozen people were entirely covered by makeshift blankets on the roadside. South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered a thorough investigation. He said such a deadly stampede at the Halloween event "should not have happened." In his national address he said - "In the centre of Seoul, a tragedy and disaster occurred that should not have happened." He also announced a period of national mourning and ordered the lowering of flags. In his words - “The government will designate the period from today until the accident is brought under control as a period of national mourning and will place top priority in administrative affairs in recovery and follow-up measures.”

Health of Tuan Tuan, a male panda gifted by China to Taiwan, deteriorating

China had gifted a panda to Taiwan when the relation between them was better. However, relations between them have been on ice since 2016. Beijing severed official communications and government visits between the two sides. In spite of that, Taiwan has invited Chinese veterinary experts to come and have a look at the male panda Tuan Tuan who is not well. China had gifted the male panda to the island in 2008, but it fell ill in recent weeks and looks to be entering his twilight days. Hence, the Chinese vets will come, stay for seven days and observe, rather than conduct, health checks. As an official of the Taipei City Zoo explained to a section of the media - "The main purpose is to visit Tuan Tuan and see his present condition. They expressed their desire to come in person to visit Tuan Tuan. I also think it will be a very meaningful trip.” Taiwan invites Chinese veterinary experts as beloved panda nears death. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council confirmed they were processing the visa applications of the vets.

Beijing had gifted Tuan Tuan and his breeding mate Yuan Yuan to Taiwan when the relations between the two neighbors were more cordial. The pair of pandas became huge stars in Taiwan and Yuan Yuan subsequently gave birth to two female cubs. China loans pandas to foreign zoos and they must usually return any offspring within a few years of their birth to join the country's breeding program. China made an exception for Taiwan as part of a brief charm offensive China launched in the late 2000s. It fully gifted both Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan and any offspring they had to Taiwan. Vets first noticed Tuan Tuan (18) was ill in August when he began suffering seizures and appeared increasingly unsteady and lethargic. Subsequently other symptoms emerged and he was moved into palliative care. The gift of the pandas happened during the presidency of then Beijing-friendly leader Ma Ying-jeou. However, relations soured with new presidents in both the countries.

Sunday, October 23, 2022

It seems Beijing wants to remove the status quo vis-à-vis Taiwan

According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China wants to remove the status quo vis-à-vis Taiwan. In his opinion, Beijing has shifted gears. It is apparently pursuing unification with Taiwan "on a much faster timeline." This is evident from the opening speech at the Communist party Congress in Beijing. On this occasion, President Xi Jinping did not rule out using force to unify with Taiwan. China treats the self-ruled island as a part of its territory. However, Taiwan does not agree – it sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Incidentally, last month US President Joe Biden had indicated that US forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. This is in spite of the fact that there exists ambiguity on the official US policy pertaining to Taiwan. During a recent event where previous Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was present, Antony Blinken said that Beijing could resort to alternate means like coercion and possible force if it failed to achieve unification by peaceful means. He went on to add - "That is what is profoundly disrupting the status quo and creating tremendous tensions." China-Taiwan: Beijing speeding up plans for unification, Blinken says.

Washington has always walked a diplomatic tightrope over the issue of Taiwan and China. Antony Blinken said that the US would honor its commitments to Taiwan and support the island's ability to defend itself. The official policy of the US does not commit to military action on Taiwan. However, President Biden has apparently gone against this stance. He has repeatedly emphasized that Washington would defend Taiwan. China is currently holding a twice-in-a-decade party congress. The expectation is that he would return to a historic third time in office. In his opening remarks, he insisted, "complete reunification of our country must and will be realized." Tensions between US and China have escalated in recent months, following a visit to Taipei by US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi. As a result, China conducted large-scale military exercises. Taiwan condemned it as "highly provocative."

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Taiwan has allies in the Pacific and Lithuania is its newest unofficial ally

China wants to swallow Taiwan. This is a self-ruled democracy, hungry for companionship. Its efforts go beyond official channels. It has diplomatic ties with Guatemala and allies in the Pacific. Lithuania is its newest unofficial ally and the government and local shoppers have embraced its imports. These range from lasers to bacon-flavored schnapps. “Taiwan is now receiving more international attention than ever before,” said President Tsai Ing-wen in on Taiwan’s national day of October 10. The country has fewer embassies than a decade ago. However, it now has more ties with a wider range of nations. Incidentally, this approach has been there since the 1980s and ’90s when diplomats and officials would go to play golf games in foreign capitals. The reason for its latest burst of diplomatic activity is probably a fallout of a sense of deepening insecurity. This probably stems from the attitude of China and new opportunities for connection. How Taiwan’s ‘Adorable’ and Ambitious Diplomacy Aims to Keep the Island Safe.

China, under the country’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has made Taiwan more of a priority. US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said recently that China is now operating on a “much faster timeline” to annex Taiwan. Neither of them mentioned any timeline. The latest foreign ministry budget of Taiwan included a sizable increase because it expects to host more than six meetings per day, every day of the year. Eswatini is one of Taiwan’s official allies. Its King Mswati III had come to Taipei last week. President Tsai Ing-wen hosted a lunch for Japanese officials and met with delegations from Canada and Washington. Two weeks ago, leaders of Taiwan feted German parliamentarians. Obviously, the country is working to a plan and trying to reach out to other countries for support.

Friday, September 30, 2022

President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan wants to achieve self-sufficiency in defense

A new, domestically made amphibious warfare ship has joined the navy of Taiwan. Such a warship can land troops and bolster supply lines to vulnerable islands. This is a part of push to achieve self-sufficiency in defense, as envisaged by Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen. The name of the warship is Yu Shan. It is derived from the name of Taiwan’s tallest mountain. This is a program for modernizing the armed forces in view of increased pressure from the military of China. President Tsai said - “When it comes to China’s military threats, only by strengthening our self-defence capabilities can there be true peace.” She said the Yu Shan was a proof of the efforts of Taiwan to boost production of its own warships and ensure autonomy in national defense to “defend the country.” Taiwan adds new amphibious warfare ship to defence inventory. The arsenal of the warship consists of forward cannon, for use against air and surface targets. There are also anti-aircraft missiles, apart from rapid-fire Phalanx close-in anti-aircraft and anti-missile guns.

The warship was an amphibious warfare vessel. It has space for landing craft and helicopters. It will assume the “main transport role” for the South China Sea and offshore Taiwanese islands that lie close to the coast of China. It considers these islands as easy targets in the event of war. The Air Force of Taiwan has already taken advantage of the new and upgraded F-16 fighter aircraft. The focus of President Tsai is now on submarines that are already in production. In addition, she has plans for launch of a fleet of highly maneuverable stealth corvette ships. China has already conducted live fire drills near Taiwan last month. This was to express its anger at a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China has continued its military activity at a much-reduced tempo. America is the most important international arms supplier for Taiwan and Tsai is determined to make Taiwan self-sufficient. A UK-based defense and security think-tank indicated last month that the military of China could struggle to launch an amphibious assault on Taiwan. This would be because of the island’s anti-ship missile defense systems.

Monday, September 26, 2022

Freight train services resume between North Korea and China after a brief suspension due to pandemic

An outbreak of COVID-19 in the Chinese city of Dandong led to suspension of freight train services between China and North Korea. The services have resumed after a lapse of five months. A news agency of South Korea revealed this. The new agency says the frequency of these trains would be once or twice every day. Incidentally, China is the main economic lifeline of the North and accounts for a major share of its trade. However, cross-border commerce suffered due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. It seems according to Chinese customs data, trade between the two countries dropped nearly 90 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Aid workers and analysts cautioned that the isolation of North Korea has affected its already fragile economy leading to shortage of food and corresponding malnutrition. North Korea, China resume freight train services: reports. Alastair Morgan was the ambassador of the United Kingdom ambassador to North Korea between 2005 and 2008. He says the significance of resumption of freight train service would depend on whether this service indicated a fresh start of regular operations. He told a section of the media that this could be a one-off shipment of essential medical supplies or food.

Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, had declared victory over coronavirus. That was after the authorities had reported about 4.8 million “fever cases.” This was consequent to an extensive outbreak in May. Kim had acknowledged that North Koreans were facing hardships because of the pandemic. He even likened it to the 1950-1953 Korean War. Incidentally, the hermit kingdom has reported just 74 COVID-19 deaths overall. Experts doubt the figures in view of the lack of vaccine coverage and its dilapidated healthcare system.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

China hurls accusations at the United States on the Taiwan issue

Taiwan came center stage in the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York. The focus of talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, was Taiwan. During the nearly 90 minutes of talks, described as “direct and honest,” China accused the United States of sending “very wrong, dangerous signals” with relation to Taiwan. The Chinese side also added that Washington had “no right to interfere” in how Beijing wants to “resolve” the issue. The American said it was important to maintenance peace and stability across the Strait. However, China insists that the issue pertaining to Taiwan is an internal matter of China and the United States should not interfere. US sending ‘dangerous signals’ on Taiwan, China tells Blinken. Tensions over Taiwan increased subsequent to a visit in August by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Subsequently, China conducted large-scale military drills in the region. More recently, US President Joe Biden pledged to defend the island that is governed democratically.

The foreign ministry of China had a similar message for foreign minister James Cleverly of the United Kingdom. This was also on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. The message was that the UK should “honour its one-China commitment and unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence.’ China looks at Taiwan as one of its provinces and wants to bring it under its control. The government of Taiwan objects to the sovereignty claims of China and says it is up to the people to decide its future. Incidentally, Chinese leader Xi Jinping talked to Joe Biden in July over the phone and said - “those who play with fire will perish by it.” There are possibilities that the two leaders could meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in November.

Monday, September 12, 2022

Chinese drones in the skies of Taiwan increase tension in the region

As many as 30 unarmed drones buzzed over two islands near the coast of China. These islands belong to Taiwan and most of these aerial vehicles were either civilian, or unidentified. Garrison of Taiwanese soldiers stationed on the rocky outcrops appeared to be the targets. In the initial stages, the Taiwanese soldiers ignored them. However, when the frequency of flights increased, the soldiers fired warning shots and shot down one of them into the sea. This added to the tensions between the two sides. China continues to claim that Taiwan, even though self-governed, is its territory. The presence of Chinse military in the Taiwan Strait has increased. They are flying jets and sailing ships closer to the island. The intention could be to test the defenses of Taiwan, thereby raising the risk of conflict. Chinese Drones: The latest irritant buzzing Taiwan’s defenses. As an analyst explains - “China is using such harassment to increase pressure, deliberately raising tensions around Taiwan. Don’t assume that a civilian drone has nothing to do with military purposes.”

It remains to be seen how Taiwan responds to future Chinese drone flights that might enter its airspace. In addition, whether it can deter Beijing without provoking conflict. China could be using the military drones to gather intelligence. It might be making use of the civilian drones for domestic propaganda purposes in order to undermine the image of Taiwan and mount a campaign of intimidation and psychological warfare. President Tsai Ing-wen has made it clear to China that the military of Taiwan will “not provoke disputes, and we will exercise self-restraint, but it does not mean that we will not counter.” She said this in a recent speech on the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

China warns America of "counter-measures" following huge arms sale to Taiwan

The Biden administration approved a huge arms sale to Taiwan. China is seeing red. It has warned the United States of "counter-measures" following the approval of the arms sales to Taiwan. An official of the Chinese embassy said China was "firmly opposed" to the sales. It feels such an action will "severely jeopardize China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Washington should take action to revoke them immediately. The proposed arms sale includes anti-ship and air-to-air missiles. The State Department explained that the sales are in conformity with a longstanding US policy of providing defensive weapons to Taiwan and described the "swift provision" of such arms as being "essential for Taiwan's security." China, on its part, accused the US of interfering in what it sees as its internal affairs. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy but China claims it to be a part of its territory. It has also vowed to "reunify" the island with the Chinese mainland. They want to do it forcibly, if necessary. China warns of 'counter-measures' as US approves $1.1bn arms sales to Taiwan.

Tensions between the United States and China have increased after spiked the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last month. China had warned Pelosi against making the trip but she went ahead with the visit. China responded by ordering military drills around the island after her departure. As to the latest arms sale to it, Taiwan expressed thanks to the US government. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the country’s determination to defend itself is extremely firm. Incidentally, Taiwan's military recently shot down a drone that was hovering over one of its island outposts just off the Chinese coast on Thursday. Subsequently, Taiwan had to take action to warn off drones hovering over three of the islands it occupies off the coast of the Chinese port city of Xiamen.

Friday, September 2, 2022

China and Russia launch war games to confront tensions with the United States

Russia wants to use the latest round of war-games Vostok 2022 to demonstrate that it has sufficient military might to undertake massive drills. This is in spite of its engagement in other fronts. The intention of the weeklong war games between China and Russia is to show their cooperation against the United States. The Vostok 2022 (East 2022) exercises will go on at seven firing ranges in Russia’s Far East and the Sea of Japan. The Russian participation would be of more than 50,000 troops and 5,000 weapons units. These would include aircraft and warships. China, on its part, would join with more than 2,000 troops along with more than 300 military vehicles, 21 combat aircraft and 3 warships. The chief of the Russian General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, will personally oversee the drills. These would involve troops from a number of former Soviet nations apart from countries like China, India, Laos, Mongolia, Nicaragua and Syria. The Defense Ministry revealed that the navies of Russia and China would conduct exercises in the Sea of Japan. Russia launches war games with China amid growing tensions for both with the U.S. . This will be the first time that China has sent forces from three branches of its military to involve in a single Russian drill.

Vostok 2022 is described as an exercise to showcase the extent of the Sino-Russian military cooperation and mutual trust. These have strengthened recently. China has blamed the U.S. and NATO for imposing sanctions on Moscow. Russia responded by backing China in the tensions with the U.S. following the visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that Washington was trying to foment global instability. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have developed a bond that bolsters a “strategic partnership” between the former communist rivals. Both of them have a common rival in the United States.

Taiwan shoots down civilian drone near China

Tension between Taiwan and China heightens as Taiwan shit down a drone off the coast of China. It flew over a Taiwanese-controlled island. Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang described it as an appropriate action in spite of repeated warnings. It seems the unidentified civilian drone entered the airspace of Taiwan. The incident happened near the outlying Kinmen islands very close to Xiamen city of China. Taiwan’s military confirms that it shot down the drone after it entered restricted airspace near the tiny Shiyu (Lion) islet. It later crashed into the sea. The Premier of Taiwan told media persons that Taiwan had repeatedly issued warnings and “asked them not to encroach on our doorstep.” However, they ignored the warnings. As a result, the military shot it down in self-defense. The Premier added that China should exercise restraint. In his words - “We will never provoke, and we will do the most appropriate thing to protect our land and our people.” Taiwan premier says drone shot down near China was ‘appropriate’. The foreign ministry of China accused Taiwan of trying to increase tension.

The Kinmen Defense Command mentioned that in spite of firing flares and warning shots, the drone maintained its position. The drone was meant for “civilian” use. There is no mention of its recovery or how it was brought own. Taiwan occupies three of the islands off the coast of the Chinese port city of Xiamen. Incidents of drones hovering over these islands had increased. The Taiwanese military says there have been hundreds of aerial incursions by Chinese military aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. These have taken place so far this year. Tension between Taipei and Beijing went up following the recent visit of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China responded by conducting live-fire military drills for more than a week in the waters around the island. President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan gave orders to the military to take “strong countermeasures” against what she termed Chinese provocations.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Warships of the U.S. enter the Taiwan Strait, adds to tension in the region

Tension between the United States and China spiked in the aftermath of the recent visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Two ships of the US Navy have now entered the Taiwan Strait. This is the first US naval transit in the waterway since the visit of Nancy Pelosi. The ships are guided-missile cruisers and the US 7th Fleet in Japan explained that the voyage was "through waters where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law." They added that the transit was "ongoing" and that there had been "no interference from foreign military forces so far." Incidentally, the strait is a 110-mile stretch of water. It separates the democratic self-ruled island of Taiwan from mainland China. In the words of the US Navy, most of the strait is in international waters. However, Beijing argues that the strait is a part of its "internal waters." US sends two warships through Taiwan Strait, in first transit since Pelosi trip. An international law defines territorial waters as extending 12 nautical miles from the coastline of a country. However, the movement of guided missile destroyers of the US in the straits has drawn angry responses from Beijing.

After the visit of Nancy Pelosi, Beijing has ramped up military naval and aerial maneuvers in the strait. Soon after her arrival in Taiwan on August 2, the People’s Liberation Army PLA announced four days of military exercises in six zones around the island. The maneuvers included war like activities around Taiwan. Those exercises have officially ended but warplanes have continued to cross the median line on a daily basis. Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirms this with statistics. US Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was the latest member of Congress to visit Taiwan. She defied pressure from Beijing and said - "I will not be bullied by Communist China into turning my back on the island." Even though she does not represent the Joe Biden administration, she reiterated her support for Taiwan. She said - "I will never kowtow to the Chinese Communist Party. I will continue to stand with the (Taiwanese) and their right to freedom and democracy. Xi Jinping doesn't scare me."

Friday, August 19, 2022

Trade talks between the United States and Taiwan take off in spite of China’s attitude

Washington and Taipei have reached an agreement to push ahead with trade talks. It would signal the beginning of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The intention is to improve trade and advance common standards, especially in areas like anti-corruption policy and environmental regulations. This initiative between the United States and Taiwan is against the background of heightened tensions with China. It pertains to the status of the self-ruled island. The first round of talks could happen within two to three months. As an official explained, the plan would cover the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate. These would pave the way to create a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st century economy. US and Taiwan announce trade talks amid tensions with China. US President Joe Biden excluded the democratic island from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Observers feel this Asia-focused economic initiative would curb the growing influence of China as a rising military power and the world’s second-largest economy. Incidentally, China is the biggest trading partner of most of the region’s major economies, including Taiwan.

The talks between the US and Taiwan did not go down well with China. It had conducted military exercises when US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan recently. At a regular press conference, an official of the commerce ministry said China opposed the talks and would take all necessary measures to uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests. China treats Taiwan as a province that must be “reunified” with the mainland. It wants to achieve this by force, if necessary. China accused the US of trying to overturn decades of diplomatic policy concerning the status of Taiwan. During the Nixon-era, Washington did not accord recognition to Taiwan as an independent country or China’s territory. However, the US is obliged to extend assistance to Taiwan in order to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Chinese missile tactics force Taiwan to reroute ships and cancel international flights

China fired missiles near Taiwan as part of its military drills. This follows a visit by senior US politician Nancy Pelosi to the island. Multiple missiles fell into the waters around the country. Japan called for an "immediate stop" to the exercises. This ongoing tension between China and Taiwan has disturbed shipping and flights from Taiwan. Many ships had to re-route their services. This could lead to delays in receipt of consignments and consequential impact on supply lines. The impact would be global. Similarly, for flights from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport. It canceled more than 50 international flights. Incidentally, the US does not officially recognize Taiwan. However, it continues to sell weapons to it for self-defiance. The brief visit of Nancy Pelosi to the country led to a rise in tensions. She is now in Japan as a part of her Asian tour. China fires missiles near Taiwan after Pelosi visit

China justified the launch of ballistic missiles by saying they were key training sessions. These included naval, land and aerial exercises as informed by the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command. The defense ministry of Taiwan retaliated by activating its defense systems to monitor the situation. The foreign affairs of Taiwan accused China of imitating the tactics of North Korea by intentionally test-firing missiles into waters near other countries. Japan also echoed the sentiments of Taiwan. Its Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said - "We strongly condemn the act as it is a serious issue concerning Japan's security and the safety of Japanese people,"

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Tension increases between the U.S. and China on Taiwan - Chinese warplanes visible

At present, Taiwan is self-ruled. However, in the opinion of China, it sees it as a breakaway province and in due course of time, it will reunite. Hence, China views the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi with concern. She is the senior most US politician to visit the country in the last 25 years. She has already met Tsai Ing, President of Taiwan and China has condemned it. Her message is that America would remain beside Taiwan. This is in spite of China saying that the US would have to face consequences for the visit. Referring to the Taiwan Relations Act, Pelosi reminded that America had promised to support Taiwan. She reaffirmed that America will not abandon the commitment to Taiwan. Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi meets President Tsai to Beijing's fury.

Relation between Washington and Beijing has always been tense. Beijing views the visit of Pelosi as another sign of support for Taiwan. The President of Taiwan and Nancy Pelosi praised each other. Even as the US plane landed, Chinese military jets were visible around Taiwan. Initially, Taiwan denied that but later admitted that Chinese military planes had entered its air defense zone. Within a short time of Nancy’s arrival, China revealed that the People's Liberation Army would conduct live military drills in the air and at sea around Taiwan. That could lead to tension in the region.

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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Chinese experts believe North Korea could have more than 20-nuclear warheads

#northkorea #nuclearwarheads #china #pyongyang #KimJongUn As per US estimates, North Korea has 10 nuclear warheads but, Chinese nuclear experts believe that North Korea actually has over 20 and have predicted that its stockpile of weapons could grow to 50 or even 100 within five years. This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 24 April 2015.

The Chinese experts have also cautioned that North Korea may also have the capability to produce enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year. Obviously, this revised estimates of Pyongyang's nuclear production is as per the Chinese and has been passed on to US nuclear specialists. The previous US forecasts was of between 10 to 16 bombs.
Incidentally, experts at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies have revealed that North Korea has conducted three nuclear detonations, the latest one being in February 2013.
It may be recalled that US Admiral William Gortney, commander of the US Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, had indicated that the US military believes North Korea has the ability to miniaturize a warhead and mount it on a ballistic missile. Of course, there had been no tests carried out. And, one such rocket is an intercontinental missile. Theoretically, it could strike California since it has been designed to carry a payload of more than 5,000 miles.
Kim Jong-Un has kept the whole world on tenterhooks as far as his country’s nuclear programs – he has kept everyone guessing because last month Hyun Hak-bong, the country's ambassador to the UK, had issued a threat that North Korea would be prepared to use nuclear weapons. He had claimed that the secretive state could launch a deadly warhead 'anytime'.