Canberra insists the Aukus submarines are being acquired to strengthen Australia’s defence, and maintain that the nation will have sovereignty over the vessels.
China aims to strengthen control over Taiwan, opposing any move towards the island s independence, especially in this sensitive 75th anniversary year of communist China s founding. Taiwan, seen by China as its territory, recently elected a new president, Lai Ching-te, who Beijing considers a separatist. China s leadership emphasized the need to manage Taiwan-related issues carefully, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi attending a meeting on the matter. Taiwan maintains its independence and rejects China s claims.
US Indo-Pacific commander Admiral John C Aquilino was the keynote speaker at the Pacific Forum held in Hawaii s Honolulu on 26 January, , China-Taiwan Conflict