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Taiwanelections

All articles tagged with #taiwanelections

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"China Hits Five US Arms Firms with Sanctions Over Taiwan Sales"

China announced sanctions against five U.S. military manufacturers in retaliation for a recent U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctioned companies include BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Alliant Techsystems Operations, AeroVironment, Viasat, and Data Link Solutions. These measures are a response to a $300 million U.S. deal to support Taiwan's tactical information systems, which China claims undermines its sovereignty and threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait. The sanctions will involve asset freezes and prohibitions on Chinese entities engaging with the targeted companies. This move comes just before Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13.

international-relations2 years ago

"China Imposes Sanctions on Five US Arms Firms for Taiwan Sales"

China has imposed sanctions on five U.S. defense companies in retaliation for recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities. The sanctions aim to freeze the companies' assets in China and bar Chinese individuals and organizations from dealing with them, although the impact is expected to be largely symbolic since these companies do not typically do business with China. This move comes ahead of Taiwan's presidential election and amidst heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait, with China viewing U.S. arms sales as interference in its internal affairs and a threat to its sovereignty. The U.S. maintains its commitment to Taiwan's defense capabilities, citing legal obligations to support the island's ability to defend itself.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Global Stakes High as Taiwan Votes for New Leader Amid China's Intensifying Pressure"

Taiwan is set to elect a new president on January 13, with the outcome poised to impact the already tense relations between Taiwan, China, and the United States. The leading candidate, William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aims to maintain the status quo, opposing the "1992 Consensus" and promoting closer ties with the U.S. and other democracies. His main opponent, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), favors better communication and trade with China. Beijing, preferring the KMT, warns of consequences if the DPP wins, while the U.S. watches closely due to potential involvement in any conflict. The election is framed as a choice between war and peace, with Taiwan's future and regional stability at stake.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Taiwan Denounces Chinese Balloon Incursions as a Hazard to Aviation Safety"

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has condemned China for sending balloons that pose a threat to international aviation safety and accuses them of 'grey zone' harassment and cognitive warfare. This incident occurs as Taiwan prepares for presidential elections, with tensions between the island and Beijing already heightened. The ministry's statement highlighted the crossing of balloons over the median line and directly over Taiwan, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of this practice to ensure regional flight safety.

politics2 years ago

"Taiwan's Presidential Race: A Test for U.S.-China Relations as Election Nears"

Taiwan is set to elect a new president on January 13, with the race featuring three main candidates: current Vice-President William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), former police chief Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), and ex-mayor Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). The election comes at a time of heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, and domestic issues such as low wages and high housing costs. Lai, a proponent of Taiwan's self-governing status, leads by a narrow margin, while Hou, who has a background in law enforcement and politics, and Ko, a former surgeon and political wildcard, trail behind. The election will also include legislative votes and is seen as pivotal for Taiwan's future relations with China and its domestic policy direction.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Taiwan Condemns Surge of Chinese Balloons and Military Planes as Election Interference"

As Taiwan's general elections approach, the Taiwanese defence ministry has reported 17 balloons crossing from mainland China into Taiwanese airspace since early December, with daily occurrences since New Year's Day. These incidents are seen as a form of "grey-zone attack" and "cognitive warfare" by Beijing to influence Taiwanese morale and potentially interfere with the elections. The median line, an unofficial border tacitly respected for decades, has been increasingly violated by the PLA since 2019. The US has been urged not to interfere with the elections, and there is no evidence linking these balloons to a previous incident involving a Chinese balloon over the US.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Taiwan's Presidential Race: A Test for U.S.-China Relations as Candidates Court Voters"

Taiwan's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13 pose a significant challenge for the Biden administration's efforts to stabilize relations with China. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, branded as a separatist by China, could increase military pressure from Beijing if victorious, while a win for the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party might raise concerns about Taiwan's commitment to defense spending due to their traditional stance of closer ties with China. U.S. officials maintain a neutral stance publicly but have developed relationships with both candidates, emphasizing the importance of defense and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. hopes for a free and fair election without foreign interference and is preparing for increased pressure on Taiwan from China regardless of the election outcome.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Taiwan Asserts Self-Determination Amid China's Intensified Election Interference and Reunification Claims"

Taiwan is set to release an analysis of China's alleged interference in its upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. The Taiwanese government accuses China of military and economic pressure, including subsidized trips for local officials, to influence the election outcome. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has called for international attention to China's tactics, which he claims could be used against other democracies. The analysis, incorporating international expert consultation, aims to contribute to the global fight against authoritarianism and uphold democratic systems. China views the elections as an internal matter and accuses the DPP's candidate, Lai Ching-te, of separatism, while both major Taiwanese parties assert that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"China Intensifies Pressure on Taiwan as Xi Jinping Stresses Inevitable Reunification Amid Elections"

The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Taiwan on January 13 have heightened tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has warned of a military clash if the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate wins. Both Taiwan's DPP and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party have pledged to strengthen the island's defenses. China's increased military activity in the Taiwan Strait and the arms race between the two sides continue to escalate the situation, with the potential for serious geopolitical and economic consequences. The outcome of the elections could influence China's military and economic response, while Taiwan continues to procure advanced weapons from the United States to bolster its defenses.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Taiwan Reports First Direct Overflight by Chinese Balloons Ahead of Election"

Taiwan's defence ministry reported that three Chinese balloons flew near a major Taiwanese air base, marking the first time such balloons have crossed the island since similar incidents in the Taiwan Strait last month. This event raises concerns about potential Chinese surveillance ahead of Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. The ministry is monitoring these activities, which have increased over the past four years, as China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Xi Asserts Inevitability of Reunification as Taiwan Faces New Independence Debate"

The head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, Song Tao, urged the people of Taiwan to work towards "peaceful reunification" with China, aligning with President Xi Jinping's stance that reunification is inevitable. This appeal comes ahead of Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. Taiwan's government and major political parties reject China's sovereignty claims, insisting that Taiwan's future can only be decided by its people. Despite not directly mentioning the upcoming elections, China has increased military pressure and economic threats as the vote approaches. China continues to advocate for the "one country, two systems" model, which lacks support from any major Taiwanese party.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Cross-Strait Tensions Rise as China Vows Reunification and Taiwan Asserts Self-Determination"

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his New Year's address, stated that "reunification" with Taiwan is inevitable, a stance that may escalate tensions ahead of Taiwan's presidential elections on January 13. Xi's remarks suggest a continued commitment to both political and military pressure on Taiwan, while Beijing labels Taiwanese leaders as "separatists." Concurrently, Xi expressed optimism about China's economic growth, acknowledging challenges but emphasizing the country's resilience and the promotion of high-quality development in emerging industries. Despite a slowdown in post-COVID recovery, Xi promised to focus on economic recovery and long-term development in 2024.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Xi Jinping Asserts Inevitable Reunification with Taiwan Amid Tsai's Call for Self-Determination"

In his New Year's address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China's stance on Taiwan, stating that reunification is inevitable, amidst heightened tensions as Taiwan approaches its presidential and parliamentary elections on January 13. Beijing has labeled the Taiwanese presidential front-runner, William Lai, a "separatist" and a "destroyer of peace," accusing him of inciting conflict. Lai, defending Taiwan's democratic self-rule, insists on equality and dignity in any dialogue with Beijing. The elections are seen by China as a critical point that could either lead to war or peace in the region.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Xi Jinping Vows Taiwan Reunification as China Intensifies Election Rhetoric"

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated his commitment to the "complete reunification" of China and Taiwan, stating that it is an "irresistible trend" and suggesting the use of force if necessary. This statement comes as Taiwan prepares for its upcoming elections on January 13, with polls indicating a preference for the independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te. Xi's comments underscore the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, especially in light of China's military exercises near Taiwan following US political visits in 2022.

politicsinternational-relations2 years ago

"Xi Jinping Asserts Taiwan's 'Inevitable Reunification' Amid Election Tensions"

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the reunification with Taiwan as "inevitable" in his New Year's speech, amidst heightened tensions and ahead of Taiwan's critical elections on January 13. Beijing continues to view Taiwan as part of its territory and has not dismissed the use of force for reunification. The upcoming elections feature candidates with differing views on relations with China, with the current lead held by Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Party, who leans towards independence. The U.S. has recently approved military aid for Taiwan, further complicating the situation.