China is increasing its aggressive tone and actions against independent nation Taiwan, violating airspace and warning of war. American news media isn’t talking about it all that much.
Summary
Lost in coverage over GameStop, Biden’s executive orders, and coronavirus, China has ramped up its saber rattling towards Taiwan after effectively taking over Hong Kong last year.
- China, which has never recognized Taiwan’s independence, warned of war in response to “the current security situation.”
- Despite Chinese government phrasing suggesting it is only now trying to gain independence, Taiwan has maintained its independence for years.
- The strong words follow an even stronger show of force las week when China violated Taiwanese airspace with eight bombers and four fighter jets as a warning “against external interference and provocation from separatist forces.”
- The Biden administration issued a mild rebuke of Communist China, saying China’s moves and rhetoric are “unfortunate” and that the United States intends to fulfil its obligations with Taiwan while still finding areas of cooperation with mainland China.
- U.S.-China relations could continue to see domestic political complications as President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, has apparently yet to divest from a Chinese business after concerns over influence peddling.
- CNN listed Taiwan as one of three “flashpoints” that could create a challenge for President Biden, while also refusing to call Taiwan independent and instead using the phrase “self-ruled.”
- The Guardian noted the continued support from Australia for Taiwan and the unencumbered access to the South China Sea, reporting the Australian military will contribute to naval patrols of the area.
- An analysis in The Washington Post detailed why Taiwan is now the largest potential flashpoint in a conflict between the United States and Communist China.
- Fox News highlighted comments made by recently-appointed Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said during his confirmation hearing there is “no doubt” China is the United States’ greatest threat and that Trump’s more aggressive approach was the right thing to do.
- The Wall Street Journal ran an opinion contribution from former Trump administration deputy assistant secretary of defense Elbridge Colby saying the United States can and should provide the necessary military hardware to Taiwan to help deter Chinese aggression.
- Conservative cable news outlet OAN ran a Reuters wire story on China ratcheting up its rhetoric while RedState mocked Hunter Biden, saying Chinese businesses’ “investment” in Hunter Biden could be its best investment ever given the mild statement from the Biden administration.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2021
