Sunday, Taiwan expressed dissatisfaction with what it deemed as misleading statements from China following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The exchange of words raises concerns about the future relations between Taiwan, under President-elect Lai Ching-te, and China, as well as China’s relationship with the United States.
In response to the election results, the U.S. has arranged post-election meetings in Taiwan with former officials Stephen Hadley and James Steinberg. This move is expected to generate disapproval from China, given the sensitive nature of its relations with Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan, acting as the de-facto U.S. Embassy, announced the visit.
With Lai’s victory, the Democratic Progressive Party is set to continue its presidency for a third consecutive term. China considers the party a significant obstacle to its objective of bringing the self-governing island, with a population of 23 million, under its control.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing China’s Foreign Ministry and its Taiwan Affairs Office of spreading false information in their respective statements. The statement specifically challenged China’s recurrent assertion that Taiwan is a domestic Chinese issue. China maintains its view of Taiwan as a renegade province, arguing against its foreign ministry and official relations with other governments.
