Eleven Chinese naval vessels have been spotted around Taiwan. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China also sent 15 fighter jets into the airspace around the island in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning. Since then, fifteen more fighter jets have been spotted. The new government of the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, meanwhile, reaffirmed its “special” relationship with Taiwan, countering fears of a turn toward China.
Since the political split between the two in 1949, China has viewed democratically governed and self-governing Taiwan as a breakaway territory that it wants to reunite with the mainland – through military force if necessary.
Relations between Beijing and Taiwan are currently particularly tense, with the Chinese government classifying the winner of Taiwan’s presidential election in January, Lai Ching-te, as a ‘separatist’.
The deaths of Chinese sailors are straining relations
Taiwan and China are also feuding over an incident that took place in mid-February when, according to Taiwanese information, a Chinese speedboat with four passengers on board entered Taiwanese waters illegally. During a subsequent pursuit by the Taiwanese Coast Guard, the boat capsized not far from the Kinmen Islands and all four passengers fell into the water. They were rescued and taken to a hospital, where two of them were pronounced dead after failed resuscitation attempts.
According to media reports, a survivor stated that the boat had been “rammed” – according to Taiwanese information, the coast guard acted legally. The government in Beijing called it a “malicious incident” and announced increased patrols in the waters around Taiwan.
In Tuvalu, Prime Minister Feleti Teo on Wednesday highlighted his country’s “long-standing and enduring special relationship” with Taiwan in a statement on his cabinet’s priorities. Tuvalu, with a population of just 11,000, remains one of only twelve states in the world to maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Tuvalu wants to strengthen relations with Taiwan
The new government said it wanted to “reassess options” to “strengthen and improve” ties with Taiwan and build a “more sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.” For its part, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Chief Diplomat Tien Chung-kwang would soon travel with a delegation to Tuvalu.
During the election campaign in Tuvalu, a veteran lawmaker caused an international uproar when he said the island nation could reconsider its relationship with Taiwan. As part of Beijing’s so-called One China policy, most countries in the world officially recognize only China. On the other hand, despite recognizing the People’s Republic, the US is considered a close ally of Taiwan and also supplies the government in Taipei with weapons.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
