The Intelligence from The Economist Tsai hopes: Taiwan’s president on tour
Jul 12, 2019
David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief at The Economist, dives into the complexities of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations during President Tsai Ing-wen’s significant visit to the U.S. He discusses Taiwan's strategic importance amid rising tensions with China. Meanwhile, author Chloe Hooper reflects on the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in Australia, uncovering the motivations behind arson. The conversation also touches on France's strict book pricing laws and how they aim to protect local bookstores while adapting to modern challenges.
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China's Reaction and Historical Context
- China's response to the visit has been relatively standard, with complaints in state media.
- A past visit by a Taiwanese president led to missile tests by China, demonstrating the high stakes involved.
Hong Kong's Impact on Taiwan
- The Hong Kong protests resonate in Taiwan, raising concerns about China's 'one country, two systems' model.
- Tsai Ing-wen has gained support for her tough stance on the protests, impacting Taiwan's election season.
Trade War and US Policy Uncertainty
- The US trade war with China complicates the situation with Taiwan, as some officials are strong Taiwan supporters.
- Trump's stance on Taiwan is uncertain, causing concern in Beijing amidst multiple tensions.
