Supporters cheer for the Democratic Progressive Party during an elections rally in New Taipei City, Taiwan on 6 January, 2024. AP
Among many strategic battles, one ongoing conflict has captured the world’s attention is the intense standoff between Taiwan and China. The core of the dispute lies in Taiwan’s pursuit of independence conflicting with China’s determination to exert full control over the self-ruled island. With Taiwan heading to the polls for a crucial presidential election, the tension between the two entities has escalated dramatically.
The recent events in Taiwan have brought the conflict back into sharp focus. The self-ruled island is at a crossroads with the election outcome poised to shape its future and significantly, its relationship with China. China’s interference in the election process has taken a brazen turn, culminating in a moment of panic for Taiwanese citizens.
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Missile scare
Earlier this week, Taiwan experienced a sudden alert that sent shockwaves across the island. Mobile phones buzzed with a chilling message: “Air Raid Alert – Missile Flyover in Taiwan Airspace.” This alarming situation unfolded while Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was addressing the press. The emergency alarm forced a pause in the press conference, with Wu revealing that it was a false alarm triggered by China’s launch of a military satellite.
“It’s a satellite carried by a rocket flew over Taiwan and debris might fall. And therefore there was a national alert being issued,” said Foreign Minister Joseph.
China’s military satellite launch
Contrary to initial fears of a missile threat, China had recently launched a military satellite from Sichuan. The satellite’s trajectory took it over Taiwan, triggering the island’s nationwide alert system for the first time in history. The incident underscored the heightened sensitivity surrounding the Taiwan Strait and the potential for misunderstandings that could escalate into a larger conflict.
Foreign Minister Joseph believes that these events fit into a larger pattern of Chinese bullying ahead of the election. The satellite launch appears to be a tactic to remind Taiwan of the looming threat of war and China’s willingness to use force if necessary.
China’s efforts to influence the presidential election extend beyond military manoeuvers. From deploying balloons to economic coercion, espionage and a massive misinformation campaign, Beijing is employing a multifaceted strategy.
“It is a ‘grey zone’ harassment tactic and we have reported the incidents to the aviation authority. This is China’s attempt to use cognitive warfare to affect the morale of our people,” said intelligence officer from Taiwan’s defence ministry Huang Ming-Chieh.
Economic coercion
China has not hesitated to wield economic influence in an attempt to sway Taiwanese voters. Last month, it revoked tariff concessions on chemical imports, targeting Taiwanese exporters who depend on the Chinese mainland for orders. This move serves as a classic pressure tactic to influence the business elite and consequently, the voting population.
Taiwanese authorities have been actively countering espionage attempts, with at least 16 individuals facing charges for spying on behalf of China. Additionally, China’s misinformation campaign involves planting fake stories and conspiracy theories to manipulate public perception. Claims of video surveillance inside voting booths and hidden ballot boxes have also been circulated, raising concerns about electoral misinformation.
China’s goal is to polarise Taiwanese voters by hyping up perceived threats, fabricating crises and making pro-democracy leaders appear guilty. Negative news stories including those about egg shortages, political scandals and Taiwan’s readiness for war, are amplified to create an atmosphere of crisis.
As Taiwan approaches its presidential election on 13 January, the fear looms that China will continue to disrupt the democratic process by weaponising trade, deploying spies, and spreading fake news. Despite China’s denial of interference, the people of Taiwan remain vigilant, sending a message not only with their votes but also to Beijing – that their democracy will not be undermined by covert tactics.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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