Mainland China sends mixed messages as island’s president-elect William Lai Ching-te prepares to take office, sending PLA planes in closest known fly-by while signalling goodwill through eased tourism and imports.
Mainland China will take ‘active measures’ to promote cross-strait tourism, but analyst says reopening of travel depends on Taipei’s actions after William Lai Ching-te takes office as the island’s leader.
(Bloomberg) Chinese leader Xi Jinping will meet former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing for a landmark sitdown spotlighting the Communist Party’s willingness to talk to the island’s opposition.Most Read from BloombergUS Slams Strikes on Russia Oil Refineries as Risk to Oil MarketsBond Trader Places Record Futures Bet on Eve of Inflation DataIran’s Better, Stealthier Drones Are Remaking Global WarfareTrumpism Is Emptying ChurchesUkraine Says It’s Behind Blaze on Russian Warship in Balt
Despite the results of Saturday’s election, many young Taiwanese have come to recognise the benefits of reunification. Both sides could sit down and talk soon, but if the DPP continues to push for independence, a military resolution would be on the cards.
Observers said Tsai’s record on cross-strait relations, which deteriorated during her time in office, could create challenges for Lai, whose pro-independence stance might make him less willing to compromise with Beijing.