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Foreign ministers

Taiwan Warns of China's Divide-and-Conquer Strategy as Indian Leader Prepares to Visit Shanghai

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen You-chung has expressed concern that China's upcoming military parade on September 3 may be used as an opportunity to drive a wedge between democratic nations, particularly between the US and India. Speaking at a symposium in Taichung, Shen noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, just days before the parade, and warned that Beijing may attempt to bring visiting leaders to the military ceremony. This concern is fueled by the fact that Indian media have voiced concerns that US-India trade frictions could create an opening for Beijing to court New Delhi, and that Indian commentators worry Modi may signal acceptance of the "one China" principle during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in exchange for concessions on border disputes or trade.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's upcoming military parade on September 3 may be used as an opportunity to drive a wedge between democratic nations.
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, just days before the parade.
  • Indian media have voiced concerns that US-India trade frictions could create an opening for Beijing to court New Delhi.
  • Indian commentators worry that Modi may signal acceptance of the "one China" principle during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in exchange for concessions on border disputes or trade.
  • If Modi attends the parade, it could symbolize a strategic shift in Indian diplomacy and create a precedent for other nations to follow.
  • The Mainland Affairs Council has found that India avoids mentioning Taiwan, rarely refers to the "one China" principle, and did not include Taiwan in its 1949 communique establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing.
  • Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is the only reported EU leader planning to attend the parade.
  • The Deputy Minister Shen You-chung encouraged free and democratic nations to boycott and condemn the parade.

Statistics:

  • 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II being commemorated by China's military parade.
  • 3 September is the date of China's military parade.
  • 1 (as of current information) EU leader planning to attend the parade, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin is scheduled to take place on Sunday and Monday.
  • The US-India trade frictions have resulted in concerns among Indian media that Beijing may exploit the situation to court New Delhi.

Sources:

  • Shen You-chung, Deputy Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council ( Liberty Times)
  • Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ( Liberty Times)

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