TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China is intensifying diplomatic, legal, and maritime pressure on Taiwan across multiple fronts, squeezing Taipei’s strategic space, Nikkei Asia reported Monday.
Beijing over the weekend announced a new “law enforcement” patrol in waters east of Taiwan, asserting jurisdiction that Taipei rejects as illegal, per Reuters. China said the move was to protect its “territorial sovereignty,” while Taiwan called it an unlawful expansion of authority under international law.
Tensions are also rising over China’s new ethnic unity law that took effect July 1, requiring all Chinese citizens to uphold “national unification.” Experts say the law could extend Beijing’s reach to target Taiwanese it labels “separatists.”
China has already imposed sanctions on foreign lawmakers who visit Taiwan and pushed developing countries to align with its position on Taiwan’s international status.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has also signaled political support for Taiwan’s opposition KMT and its leader Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), while Beijing has engaged in a prolonged diplomatic dispute with Japan over Taiwan-related issues. In one recent case, Chinese authorities detained Japanese employees of a company over alleged export control violations, per Nikkei Asia.
Reinhard Buetikofer, a veteran German politician and China watcher, said Beijing is running a coordinated campaign to isolate Taiwan and pressure its partners. He said China is also testing perceived uncertainty in US commitments to Taiwan.
A Western diplomat described Taiwan’s situation as an increasingly constrained dilemma, per Nikkei Asia. Any response to China risks escalation, while inaction risks further erosion of Taiwan’s position, the diplomat said.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has maintained a policy of defending the cross-strait status quo while strengthening deterrence. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has meanwhile expanded overseas engagement, including recent visits to Europe to promote economic diplomacy.
Despite these efforts, Taiwan continues to face international disputes over naming, representation, and participation in global events. Recent cases involving Denmark, South Korea, Kenya, and Zambia highlight Beijing’s influence over institutions interacting with Taiwan.
