Taiwan's leading authority on China relations issued a plea to China on Friday, urging them to refrain from altering the current situation surrounding waters near Taiwan's key islands. The appeal comes amidst growing tensions, with Taiwan emphasizing the need for manageable circumstances.
Last month, China initiated routine patrols by its coast guard around the Kinmen islands, which are under Taiwan's control and lie close to the Chinese mainland. This move followed a tragic incident where two Chinese fishermen lost their lives while attempting to evade Taiwan's coast guard.
Jan Jyh-horng, the deputy head and spokesperson of the Mainland Affairs Council, emphasized during a press briefing, "The current state of affairs in the Strait should be kept under control. We hope to avoid any actions that would disrupt the existing balance."
China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, a stance vehemently rejected by the democratically governed island. Over recent years, China has escalated its military presence near Taiwan, frequently breaching Taiwan's air defense identification zones.
In its latest announcement, China disclosed a 7.2% increase in defense spending for the year, reflecting a significant rise since President Xi Jinping assumed office. This move underscores Beijing's increasingly firm stance on Taiwan.
Responding to inquiries about China's recent rhetoric regarding Taiwan, Jan stated that Taiwan remains convinced that Beijing intends to pursue peaceful engagement. He urged China to exhibit more confidence in these endeavors, including reinstating visits by Chinese students and tourists, which were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taiwan's National Security Bureau, in a report presented to parliament and reviewed by Reuters, highlighted Beijing's persistent focus on "peaceful unification" and "cross-strait exchanges." However, the bureau cautioned that Beijing would intensify its multifaceted pressure on Taipei, employing tactics ranging from military maneuvers to economic coercion in its bid to alter the status quo.
"Their aim is to seize an opportunity to alter the situation in the Strait, with the hope of influencing our government's mainland policy," the report stated.
Taiwan Responds Defiantly to Beijing's Criticism, Stresses Democratic Autonomy