China’s creeping interference in Taiwan’s democracy reflects changing currents in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

The News Lens
Date: 2018/10/10
By: Jeremy Huai-Che Chiang & Alan Hao Yang

China’s creeping interference in Taiwan’s democracy reflects changing currents in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

China’s ‘charm’ offensive on Taiwan’s autonomy has gone up a level in recent months. Starting from Sept. 1, Beijing has allowed Taiwanese who have lived in China for more than six months and are legally working, living or studying in the country to apply for a residence card entitling them to certain rights and benefits in areas such as social insurance, transportation, education and financial services.

Many have criticized this as an attempt to further ‘domesticize’ Taiwan, and as applicants need to leave their fingerprints during the application process, Taiwanese government officials, NGO groups and academics have expressed concerns about the impact of this measure on Taiwan’s national security and the safety of Taiwanese nationals in China.

China is using its weight in the international arena to wage attacks on Taiwan’s status and reputation.    [FULL  STORY]