China Unveils More Aggressive Tone on Taiwan, Analysts Say.
A recent series of statements and propaganda efforts by China's ruling Communist Party have sharpened its language regarding Taiwan, analysts claim. These fresh moves signal a significant escalation in Beijing's approach to the island, with some experts warning that it may be an effort to prepare ground for President Xi Jinping seeking US concessions on protecting Taiwan.
According to senior Chinese officials, Taiwan is considered a province of China and will eventually be annexed under what is known as "reunification." The communist party has recently released articles outlining how Taiwan would be governed under Chinese rule - with pro-China "patriots" managing the island in a "one country two systems" regime similar to that implemented in Hong Kong and Macau. These plans, however, have long been rejected by Taiwanese leaders.
China's actions also seem aimed at diminishing Taiwan's international standing, analysts note. The release of ultra-high-definition satellite images taken of various tourist spots and economic centers across the strait has sparked criticism from Taipei residents who find it "voyeuristic." Chinese officials have dismissed these concerns, claiming that the images were simply documenting China's territory.
Some experts argue that Beijing's new strategy may be part of a two to three year plan to adjust its approach to Taiwan and normalise previously restrained actions. Analyst Bonnie Glaser stated that this shift in language marked a significant departure from previous Chinese policy.
The release of these propaganda efforts comes as tensions between China, the US, and Taiwan have been escalating in recent months. A forthcoming meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping in April may be an opportunity for Beijing to push its claims on Taiwan further. According to Raymond Kuo, director of the Rand Corporation's Taiwan Policy Initiative, China is seeking to prepare ground for such a move by bolstering support among Chinese public opinion.
The implications of this new strategy are unclear but analysts agree that it represents an escalation in Beijing's approach to Taiwan.
A recent series of statements and propaganda efforts by China's ruling Communist Party have sharpened its language regarding Taiwan, analysts claim. These fresh moves signal a significant escalation in Beijing's approach to the island, with some experts warning that it may be an effort to prepare ground for President Xi Jinping seeking US concessions on protecting Taiwan.
According to senior Chinese officials, Taiwan is considered a province of China and will eventually be annexed under what is known as "reunification." The communist party has recently released articles outlining how Taiwan would be governed under Chinese rule - with pro-China "patriots" managing the island in a "one country two systems" regime similar to that implemented in Hong Kong and Macau. These plans, however, have long been rejected by Taiwanese leaders.
China's actions also seem aimed at diminishing Taiwan's international standing, analysts note. The release of ultra-high-definition satellite images taken of various tourist spots and economic centers across the strait has sparked criticism from Taipei residents who find it "voyeuristic." Chinese officials have dismissed these concerns, claiming that the images were simply documenting China's territory.
Some experts argue that Beijing's new strategy may be part of a two to three year plan to adjust its approach to Taiwan and normalise previously restrained actions. Analyst Bonnie Glaser stated that this shift in language marked a significant departure from previous Chinese policy.
The release of these propaganda efforts comes as tensions between China, the US, and Taiwan have been escalating in recent months. A forthcoming meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping in April may be an opportunity for Beijing to push its claims on Taiwan further. According to Raymond Kuo, director of the Rand Corporation's Taiwan Policy Initiative, China is seeking to prepare ground for such a move by bolstering support among Chinese public opinion.
The implications of this new strategy are unclear but analysts agree that it represents an escalation in Beijing's approach to Taiwan.