China Pursues Taiwan Unification Through Military Preparation and Political Warfare

Last Tuesday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, planning a visit to Taiwan’s sole African ally Eswatini, was abruptly informed that Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius would deny overflight rights to his aircraft. The trip was then canceled — an unprecedented humiliation and major diplomatic setback for Taiwan.

Everybody knows that Beijing was behind this latest stunt. What gives this episode its deeper strategic meaning, however, is its proximity to another major political development: the high-profile visit to China by Cheng Li-wen, chair of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. During her trip, Cheng met with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping in a summit that Beijing choreographed as a showcase of goodwill, stability, and opportunity. Chinese leadership rolled out what can only be described as a full-spectrum “peace offensive,” offering political respect, economic incentives, and a narrative of reduced tensions through dialogue.

About the Author

Jianli Yang

Jianli Yang is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Center for the National Interest and a columnist for National Review.

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Last Tuesday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, planning a visit to Taiwan’s sole African ally Eswatini, was abruptly informed that Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius would deny overflight rights to his aircraft. The trip was then canceled — an unprecedented humiliation and major diplomatic setback for Taiwan.

Everybody knows that Beijing was behind this latest stunt. What gives this episode its deeper strategic meaning, however, is its proximity to another major political development: the high-profile visit to China by Cheng Li-wen, chair of Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. During her trip, Cheng met with Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping in a summit that Beijing choreographed as a showcase of goodwill, stability, and opportunity. Chinese leadership rolled out what can only be described as a full-spectrum “peace offensive,” offering political respect, economic incentives, and a narrative of reduced tensions through dialogue.