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China

China Steps Up Pressure on Taiwan with Presidential Warning

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

China has intensified its pressure on Taiwan with a presidential warning that it may use force if the island moves towards independence. In a telephone conversation with US President Bill Clinton, President Jiang Zemin emphasized that Beijing cannot abandon the option of using force against Taiwan as long as attempts are made to "divide Taiwan from the motherland." Jiang's statement was made in response to recent comments by Taiwan's leader, Lee Teng-hui, who claimed that Taiwan is a separate state. The Chinese press released a lengthy quote from Jiang's statement, but only a brief summary of Clinton's remarks.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's president, Jiang Zemin, warned that Beijing may use force against Taiwan if it moves towards independence, citing the need to preserve the "motherland."
  • Jiang's statement was made in a telephone conversation with US President Bill Clinton, who reassured the Chinese that the US still adheres to the "one China" policy.
  • The Chinese account of the conversation was one-sided, with Jiang dominating the discussion and Clinton reportedly being lectured.
  • Taiwan's leader, Lee Teng-hui, has sparked controversy with his assertion that Taiwan is a separate state, with nearly 75% of Taiwanese supporting his stance and nearly 90% agreeing that Taiwan is not a province of China.
  • China has been publicly backing those on the island who are critical of Lee's policy, but the strength of opinion in support of Lee could increase pressure on Beijing to take tough action.
  • Observers believe that the Chinese leadership may face increasing pressure to take action as the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic approaches and the armed forces celebrate their 71st anniversary.

Statistics:

  • 75% of Taiwanese support Lee's assertion that cross-straits ties are already on a state-to-state basis (poll conducted last week).
  • 90% of Taiwanese agree that Taiwan is not a province of China (poll conducted last week).
  • Dhs 15.5 billion in state funds will be available to intervene in the Taiwanese financial markets if needed.
  • The Liberation Army daily's conference on the navy's preparations for a military struggle sparked a conference that mentioned the need to "speed up preparations for a military struggle."

Sources:

  • The Guardian (no date)
  • New York Times (no date)
  • Liberation Daily (August ?)
  • Chinese press (no date)
  • BBC News (no date)

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