A US expert on China is warning that there is growing unease in Taiwan over the speed and breadth of expanding cross-strait economic relations.
“There are real security concerns that Taiwan needs to take seriously,” said John Garver, professor of international affairs at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
In an interview published on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Asian Research, Garver discussed cross-strait relations and the impact of the Sunflower movement on Taiwan and on Chinese perceptions about Taiwan.
Having analyzed what has happened to Ukraine — especially Crimea — he said that he is “absolutely confident” that if Beijing decides to move against Taiwan, it will first initiate the emergence of local groups calling for Chinese involvement.
“This will cause cleavages and fissures within Taiwan about this new era in cross-strait relations,” he said.
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has made “impressive” progress in relations with the mainland, but he has failed to establish an adequate consensus-building process because of political difficulties, Garver said.
“Taiwan needs to consider this very seriously within the rubric of internal security,” he said.
“Chinese involvement with Taiwan’s airline industry, telecommunications industry and other strategic sectors has considerable national security implications,” Garver said.
“Taiwan has moved very far and very fast in expanding cross-strait economic cooperation, trade ties and cultural ties with the PRC [People’s Republic of China] — leading to a growing apprehension about the direction and uncertainty of cross-strait relations,” he said.
Ma’s policies are a “major step” toward the full integration of the two economies and China “will not get a more pro-Chinese leader of Taiwan than Ma,” Garver said.
He said that China should be rewarding Ma’s efforts and giving him reasons to reassure the Taiwanese that closer cross-strait integration is to their advantage.
“Beijing has not been more forthcoming, likely because that would make the regime appear weak, especially in the eyes of the People’s Liberation Army, which believes that such a generous approach of diplomatic peace would not be appropriate, given China’s growing international power,” Garver said.
Additional reporting by staff writer
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday expressed “shock and regret” over a statement issued by his wife without his consent, and rejected her assertion that his eldest sister, Ma Yi-nan (馬以南), would manage his medical care or act as his spokesperson amid an ongoing embezzlement probe into his foundation. Ma Ying-jeou in a statement said he was shocked by a statement by his wife, Chou Mei-ching (周美青), regarding his affairs. Ma Yi-nan “must not” be in charge of his healthcare and other personal affairs, nor can she be allowed to represent the Ma family, the former president said. He said he was also
RSS