Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise. In a speech on Saturday, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to achieve “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan.
This declaration comes after a week in which Beijing dispatched nearly 150 Chinese military flights into Taiwan’s air defense zone.
Taiwan’s defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng called the incursion, “The most severe in the 40 years since I’ve enlisted.” He expressed concerns about the potential of an invasion, but emphasized that Taiwan had no wish to “irritate” or provoke China with a response.
On Tuesday, Oct. 5, when questioned about Beijing’s aggression, U.S. President Joe Biden claimed, “I’ve spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree, we’ll abide by the Taiwan agreement. That’s where we are, and we made it clear that I don’t think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement.”
President Biden appears to have been referring to the “One China Policy.” Historically, China interprets the policy as the U.S.’s acknowledgement of its sovereignty over Taiwan. However, the U.S. frames the issue as one of acknowledging Beijing’s claim, rather than supporting it.
In keeping with Beijing’s interpretation, President Xi declared his intention to reunify. In his speech he claimed that the Chinese people have “a glorious tradition” of opposing separatism and decried Taiwan’s independence as the greatest obstacle to national reunification.
“Taiwan independence is the greatest obstacle to national reunification and a serious hidden danger to national rejuvenation. Those who forget their heritage betray the motherland and seek to split the county will come to no good, and they will be spurned by the people and condemned by history.”
President Xi speaking in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People
While President Xi’s speech was met with thunderous applause in the Great Hall of the People, Taiwan’s reaction proved a stark contrast. The Taiwan presidential office condemned China’s coercive tactics, and claimed that only Taiwan’s people have the right to decide their own future.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who campaigned on promises to stand up to Beijing, is set to pledge to defend the island’s sovereignty and democracy in a major speech on Sunday.
Post by: CJ Fisher
Time Surf 
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