China claims Taiwan is its territory and has vowed to bring the island of 23 million people under its control someday. The DPP’s Mr Lai has described himself as a “pragmatic worker for independence” in the past, comments that led Beijing to brand him a “troublemaker” and “separatist” before the election.
Mr Lai stood behind those claims during his campaign and presented himself as a steady hand who could be trusted to make the right decisions in one of the world’s biggest geopolitical flashpoints.
President Joe Biden has pledged the US would defend the island if it was attacked. Bloomberg Economics has estimated the price tag of a war at about $US10 trillion ($15 million), equal to about 10 percent of global GDP.
China has previously responded to what it sees as interference in its internal affairs with large military responses. After the outgoing president, Tsai Ing-wen, met top US lawmakers, the PLA held major military exercises around Taiwan that appeared to practice a blockade.
Ms Tsai is also a member of the independence-leaning DPP, which rejects the notion that Taiwan is part of China. That is a major reason Beijing has refused to deal with her and has stepped up efforts to pressure her government economically and diplomatically.
China increased military activity around Taiwan after Ms Tsai won re-election in 2020, with visits by foreign lawmakers to Taipei prompting major responses by the PLA during her tenure. Yet, the PLA was quiet around the island after a recent trip by China-critic Mike Gallagher, a Republican member of the House.
The Defense Ministry in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Still, the Taiwanese officials warned China would continue its long-term military preparations for an invasion of Taiwan. They pointed to Chinese leader Xi Jinping saying during a recent legislative meeting in Beijing that the military should dovetail its maritime strategy with economic development.
Mr Xi also said the armed forces “should coordinate the preparation for maritime military conflicts, the protection of maritime rights and interests, and the development of the maritime economy”.
The security officials also said Beijing would forge ahead with efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, especially to diminish any possible role at the United Nations.
One of Taiwan’s last diplomatic allies severed relations with the island and switched recognition to China in January, following the election.
Bloomberg
