When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Taiwan

Is Taiwan's New President Being Too Soft On China?

Tsai Ing-wen made history when she became Taiwan's first female head of state. A year later, she is facing the harsh realities of the job. And that starts with dealing with hardliners in Beijing.

An encircled President
An encircled President
Laura Lin

TAIPEI — After soaring to power last year, President Tsai Ing-wen — arguably the most powerful woman in the Chinese-speaking world — now finds herself on the political hot seat following the arrest in China last month of a Taiwanese human rights activist.

Lee Ming-che, an NGO worker and affiliate of Tsai Ing-wen's Democratic Progressive Party (DDP), hasn't been heard from since March 19. Beijing says he is being held on "suspicion of endangering national security," but has otherwise offered little information about Ming-che's detention.

In Taiwan, all eyes are on Ing-wen, who was elected in a landslide in January 2016 and took office in May. So far she has been notably restrained and low-key in her dealings with mainland China, especially as compared to former president Chen Shui-bian (2000-2008), the last DPP member to lead the country. It appears that Ing-wen wants to avoid earning the kind of "troublemaker" label that China attached to Shui-bian. But in Taiwan, her approach is attracting criticism, particularly in light of the Ming-che situation.

"If the case is left to drift without concrete action, how can the Taiwanese people trust that this government is capable of protecting its citizens and handling cross-straits affairs?" said Yu Mei-mei, a well-known commentator. Another high-profile pundit, talk-show journalist Hu Zhong-xin, accused the president of behaving like a "soft-footed shrimp."

Complicating matters even more are developments involving Ming-che's wife, Lee Ching-yu, who tried to fly to Beijing to speak with Chinese authorities directly only to discover, at the last minute, that her visa had been revoked. "If I do not stand up to fight against such injustice, Taiwan will always be a victim," she told reporters.

The pro-China Kuomintang Party suggested to Ching-yu that she be more discreet in her approach to the issue. The detainee's wife balked at the idea. "If we have freedom but no dignity, then we're no better off than dogs," she said. Such language only raises the pressure on a new president facing an old problem.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

With His Trip To Moscow, Xi Has Sent A Clear Message To The World

China has adopted a stance of pro-Putin neutrality since the start of Russia's invasion. But this is not an alliance of equals. China has the upper-hand and sees the opportunity to present itself as an alternative world leader.

Photo of ​Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping in Moscow during the Chinese leader's state visit to Russia.

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — While Russia is mired in Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin has become the target of an international arrest warrant, China appeared as a lifeline.

Stay up-to-date with the latest on the Russia-Ukraine war, with our exclusive international coverage.

Sign up to our free daily newsletter.

Xi Jinping’s presence in Moscow from Monday to Wednesday was a bit like the "quiet force" visiting a friend in trouble. They offer him "face," as the Chinese expression for showing respect goes, referring to him as "dear friend"...

But reality sets in very quickly: between the couple, Beijing has the upper hand — and Moscow has no choice.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, China has observed what one diplomat astutely calls a "pro-Putin neutrality", a subtle balance that suits Beijing more than Moscow. Putin could have hoped for more active support, especially in the delivery of arms, technological products, or ways to circumvent Western sanctions. But China is helping Russia sparingly, while making sure to not incur sanctions in turn.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

The latest