President Tsai of Taiwan said that Chinese President Xi is currently dealing with significant internal challenges, making a major invasion of Taiwan less likely. In a teleconference arranged by The New York Times, Tsai emphasised that China is facing economic, financial, and political challenges, along with international pressure against war.
She expressed the importance of global support to prevent any invasion of Taiwan, which China claims as its own.
She said: “I think the Chinese leadership at this juncture is overwhelmed by its internal challenges.
“And my thought is that perhaps this is not a time for them to consider a major invasion of Taiwan. Largely because the internal economic and financial as well as political challenges, but also, the international community has made it loud and clear that war is not an option, and peace and stability serve everybody’s interests.”
Tsai mentioned that despite China’s military exercises near Taiwan, the internal issues, such as rising youth unemployment and a property sector crisis, are overwhelming the Chinese leadership.
She highlighted the international community’s stance against war and the emphasis on peace and stability for everyone’s interests.
While Xi reaffirmed China’s position that Taiwan is part of China during a recent summit with President Biden, he reportedly said that there are no immediate plans for invasion. However, the People’s Liberation Army continues military exercises near Taiwan, causing concerns.
Tsai, who is expected to be succeeded by Vice President William Lai next month, stressed the need for collective efforts to counter military intimidation, cyberattacks, and information manipulation. Lai, like Tsai, avoids advocating for a formal declaration of independence but insists on Taiwan’s de facto sovereign state status, causing tension with China.
Taiwan reported that Chinese military planes and naval ships recently crossed the “median line” in the Taiwan Strait.
