Violence and atrocities : nancy pelosi

Showing posts with label nancy pelosi. 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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Saturday, August 6, 2022

Nancy Pelosi visits South Korea after Taiwan during her Asian tour

North Korea described US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as “the worst destroyer of international peace and stability.” This was during her visit to South Korea as a part of her Asian tour. The North accused her of inciting anti-North Korea sentiment earlier this week. Pelosi has arrived in South Korea after visiting Taiwan. This prompted China to launch military exercises. These included missile strike training in waters near the self-governed island. China looks at Taiwan as an integral part of its own territory and wants to annex it forcibly if necessary. North Korea calls Pelosi 'destroyer of international peace' During her visit to South Korea, Pelosi went to the border of the North and South and discussed the nuclear program of the North with South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin Pyo. It seems the two of them agreed to extend support to their respective government’s plans for denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Such an exercise would act not only as a strong deterrent against the North but also help diplomacy.

Nancy Pelosi became the highest-profile American to go to the border since the then-President Donald Trump in 2019. He had met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inside the world's most heavily fortified border. The American-led United Nations Command and North Korea control it jointly. American presidents and other top officials have previously travelled to the area. The intention has been to reaffirm their security commitment to South Korea. Incidentally, during her visit, Pelosi did not make any strong public statements against the North. The Korean Peninsula remains tense because of the missile tests carried out earlier this year by North Korea. It seems it is preparing to conduct its first nuclear weapons test in five years. Its intention appears to be to move away from talks of denuclearization and instead focus on expanding its nuclear program. It wants the United States to drop its hostile policies. This apparently refers to US-led international sanctions on the North and its regular military drills with South Korea.

Some popular stories in this and related sites –

Meghan Markle celebrates her 41st birthday

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

Politicians are like chameleons

Princess Charlotte steals the show at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

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

Eggs are an integral part of street foods

Harrowing times in Pakistan - more than 280 people killed in rain-related incidents since mid-June

It is difficult to mop up black money

Floods in Kentucky leave at least 28 dead

The wonderful hobby of throwing mud at each other

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,"

Some popular stories in this and related sites –

Politicians are like chameleons

Princess Charlotte steals the show at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

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

Eggs are an integral part of street foods

Harrowing times in Pakistan - more than 280 people killed in rain-related incidents since mid-June

It is difficult to mop up black money

Floods in Kentucky leave at least 28 dead

The wonderful hobby of throwing mud at each other

Priyanka Chopra eases out Deepika Padukone from Captain Marvel

If only I had become a doctor

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.

Some popular stories in this and related sites –

Eggs are an integral part of street foods

Harrowing times in Pakistan - more than 280 people killed in rain-related incidents since mid-June

It is difficult to mop up black money

Floods in Kentucky leave at least 28 dead

The wonderful hobby of throwing mud at each other

Priyanka Chopra eases out Deepika Padukone from Captain Marvel

If only I had become a doctor

TV, the idiot box, has really made us idiots

Akshay Kumar receives ‘samman patra’ from the Income Tax department

Russia could vacate International Space Station by 2024