The island’s president Tsai Ing-wen stated on Wednesday that China was now unlikely to consider a major invasion of Taiwan due to domestic issues, though Beijing expected to influence its upcoming elections.
I think the Chinese leadership at this juncture is overwhelmed by its internal challenges. My thought is that perhaps this is not a time for them to consider a major invasion of Taiwan.
Tsai was responding to questions on the risks of China launching offensive operations after US and Chinese Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping met in California this month. The leaders’ talks were aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
China considers Taiwan its territory, which could one day be taken by force if necessary. For the moment, however, Beijing faces domestic economic, financial and political problems, Tsai said.
Moreover, China is still “interested in interfering” in the upcoming presidential election in Taiwan, with Beijing trying to influence the outcome of the election in its favour, according to Tsai.
All major elections in Taiwan since 1996 have seen similar influence operations [including military threats and economic coercion] from China.
Instead of hoping Beijing will abandon its tactics, Taiwan should “focus on strengthening the resilience of our democracy,” she added.
Presidential elections will be held in Taiwan in January under intense scrutiny, including from politicians in Beijing and Washington, as they could define Taipei’s ties with an increasingly unfriendly Beijing. However, Tsai will not be able to run in the upcoming election, as she will have served a maximum of two terms in office.
