Given Kemoi Island's proximity to the mainland, Taiwan would likely have a hard time reinforcing Kemoi Island if the Chinese government launched military operations or decided to impose a blockade.
There are reports that the US military is training with the Taiwanese military on remote islands such as Kemoi Island and Penghu Island, but Admiral John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, says that US military personnel are permanently stationed on Kemoi Island. denied the suggestion. As a result, the situation around remote islands is unstable and could become a potential flashpoint for conflict.
02:20
Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown while being chased by Taiwanese coast guard
Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown while being chased by Taiwanese coast guard
It remains to be seen whether the trip will have a significant effect on easing cross-Strait tensions, but the trip has been criticized by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and other Taiwanese governments.
Ma, a former member of the opposition Kuomintang Party (KMT), was known for strengthening ties with mainland China during his tenure. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Democratic Progressive Party's stance toward China will change significantly as a result of the Ma Xi meeting.
India needs chips, Taiwan needs friends. But what about “one China”?
India needs chips, Taiwan needs friends. But what about “one China”?
The government also faces a number of domestic problems, from crime to energy supply concerns to economic downturn. The latter two are well known, but several violent crime incidents have occurred recently, raising concerns about law and order issues.
These include the killing of two police officers last month by a man driving a stolen pickup truck, and the stabbing of Hong Kong activist Chiang Chia-wei during a drunken incident in Taipei.
01:41
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou calls on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to “avoid war”
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou calls on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to “avoid war”
With such a number of incidents and scandals undermining the build-up to his inauguration, Lai and his administration face the difficult task of winning the public's trust, while also having to deal with rising cross-strait tensions. . This means there is little margin for error and you have to give it your all.
Hilton Yip is a journalist and editor based in Taiwan.
