Relations between Taipei and Beijing, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, are at the lowest level in decades, with China stepping up political and military pressure to make the island accept its sovereignty. Earlier Sunday, at a security forum in Singapore, China’s defense minister said the Chinese government had sought “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan but had reserved “other options”. Speaking to reporters after China banned the import of grouper fish from Taiwan for security reasons, a move Taipei called politically motivated, Su said Taiwan had always had goodwill towards China. “Once there is equality, reciprocity and without political preconditions, we are willing to commit in good faith to China,” he said, reiterating a position repeatedly made public by President Tsai Ying-wen. “As for China’s harassment of Taiwan by military aircraft, warships, unjustified repression and political action, the most absurd is China,” he added. “Taiwan does not want to close the door on China. It is China that has used various means to suppress and treat Taiwan irrationally.” China has refused to speak to Chai since she was first elected in 2016, calling her an separatist who has refused to accept that China and Taiwan are part of “one China.” Tsai says only the people of Taiwan can decide on his future and, while he wants peace with China, he will defend himself in the event of an attack. The people of Taiwan, living in one of Asia’s freest and most liberal democracies, have shown no interest in being ruled by authoritarian China. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. (Report by Ben Blanchard · Edited by William Mallard)
