With Xi in Power, Taiwan More Dangerous? |
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According to media commentary, Xi Jinping, Cai Qi, and Wang Huning wil form an "iron triangle" among the new Politburo Standing Committee members in solving the Taiwan issue. This is by no means a good sign for Taiwan.
(Photo from:
United Daily News) |
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China's Iron Triangle to Solve the Taiwan Issue
United Daily News Editorial, October 23, 2022
On October 23, the first plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party elected new members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo and Xi Jinping entered into his third term. Among the seven Standing Committee members, Li Qiang, secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, will be the next premier—as Shanghai is the birthplace of the Communist Party and the core role of the Central Committee of the Party is traditionally held by the Secretary of Shanghai. Wang Huning stays on to take charge of the United Front of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) which is not far from his long-term experience as the theoretical guru of the Communist Party. What is surprising is that Cai Qi, Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, will serve as the first secretary of the Central Secretariat of the Central Committee.
…read more
From: https://udn.com/news/story/6656/6708304
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According to a commentator, the new leadership of the Chinese Communist Party has two characteristics, namely extensive knowledge about Taiwan and governance by scientists.
(Photo from:
China Times) |
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Two Major Characteristics of New Beijing Leadership
By Su Yung-lin
China Times, October 24, 2022
After several rounds of guessing by the international media, mainland China’s new Politburo Standing Committee, a seven-member body that will rule China for the next five years, was finally appointed by the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. The converging international attention on the new personnel appointments reflects a deep concern over China’s political, economic and social development in the future. It is worth noting for Taiwan that there are two obvious elements in the new mainland Chinese leadership.
…read more
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20221024000348-260109?chdtv
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Director Cheng Li of the John Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution stated that China is focused now not on economic development but security, stability, political struggle, and innovation.
(Photo from: The Storm Media) |
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Expert: China Attack on Taiwan Most Likely in 2027
China Times, October 24, 2022
The 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party has concluded, and mainland China will begin its next five years. Li Cheng, an expert on China from the United States, believes that economic development is not China’s focus now, they are more focused on security, stability, battling, and innovation. Especially in terms of international relations, Xi Jinping believes that the United States is trying to subvert China, so it must fight against the Western world and face the pressures. On the other hand, Beijing believes that nothing is more important than technological innovation and strength. Therefore, it is actively cultivating talent from the central enterprises.
From: https://www.chinatimes.com/amp/newspapers/20221024000527-260303
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Xi stated at the 20th National Party Congress that China will strive for peaceful reunification but never commit to renouncing the use of force.
(Photo from:
United Daily News) |
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October 16: In his political report at the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping stated that China shall strive for peaceful reunification but never promise to renounce the use of force and will adhere to improving "One Country, Two Systems" to promote reunification. According to the Office of the President, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent state, and the people of Taiwan believe in and are committed to freedom and democracy. The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan is firmly opposed to "One Country, Two Systems."
October 16: The outer circulation of Typhoon Nesat brought heavy rainfall, hitting northern Taiwan hard. Large-scale landslides occurred at the Provincial Highway 7 in Yilan and well-known landmarks, blocking traffic. A landslide occurred near the Bojue Shanzhuang community in Xizhi District, New Taipei, but fortunately no one was injured.
Many places in Taipei experienced floods, and Mayor Ko Wen-je was criticized for failing to return to Taipei in time to manage the disaster, from attending campaign rallies in Taichung. Mayoral candidate Chen Shih-chung was also ridiculed for wearing leather shoes to survey areas hit by the disaster.
October 17: As of the end of August, the weighted index of Taiwan stocks fell by 17.8 percent, and the labor fund lost NT$320.46 billion. Minister of Labor Hsu Ming-chun stated frankly that investments will inevitably produce winners and losers, and it is difficult to turn returns positive this year. Scholars have criticized that losses of the labor fund are due to the government's utilizing it to support the stock market at the expense of workers.
October 18: After interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Premier Su Tseng-chang felt discomfort and tested positive with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and must be isolated at home for at least seven days. On September 21, Premier Su had just been inoculated with a fourth dose of Medigen vaccine, and more than 14 days have elapsed, making critics question Medigen's efficacy.
October 19: Japan requires that travelers must be inoculated with internationally certified vaccines to enter the country, but Medigen vaccine is not among them, triggering public backlash. Wang Pi-sheng, who heads the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), stated that effective immediately, those who have been vaccinated with the Medigen vaccine and need to go abroad may receive one to three additional doses of other vaccines approved and imported to Taiwan. The policy is estimated to be applicable to about 30,000 to 1 million people. Experts indicate that the move is equivalent to declaring the Medigen vaccine invalid and criticize the government for blocking various civil society groups from procuring international vaccines and forcing young people to receive the Medigen vaccine. Chen Shih-chung, former commander of the CECC, should bear the greatest responsibility.
October 20: Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned again that Beijing will use "any means necessary," including military force, to seek rapid reunification. During interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Director-General Chen Ming-tong of the National Security Bureau responded that Communist China's envisaged time to complete its military preparations is 2027, but it may negotiate with the threat of war in 2023. He also declared solemnly that the Beijing authorities has no chance of winning if it attacks Taiwan by force.
During interpellation, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng responded that based on military mobilization and intelligence, there is no sign that mainland China will attack Taiwan prematurely.
October 20: The Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will be held November 18 to 19 in Bangkok, Thailand. President Tsai Ing-wen announced that Morris Chang, founder of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), will represent her as the leader's representative for the fifth time.
October 21: Candidates in the November 26 local elections completed their number draws, symbolizing the official start of the election campaign. The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced recently that people who test positive or are in quarantine may not vote, triggering a constitutionality dispute. Wang Pi-sheng, who heads the CECC, stated that he will study whether the "7+7" quarantine system should be changed to "3+4" or "0+7." The CEC also stated that if the epidemic prevention measures are adjusted, electoral arrangements will also be reviewed.
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