The signals released by the United States have been very clear, but some people still dare to act against the wind. Representatives from seven countries have made a group visit to Taiwan, and are even preparing to stand at the doorstep of the mainland to make loud noises, which is simply too arrogant.
Looking across at the mainland from Kinmen
Recently, the Taiwanese foreign affairs department issued a notice that under the leadership of Povilas Pavliionis, vice-chair of the Lithuanian Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, members of parliament from Germany, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden, and Ukraine will make a group "visit to Taiwan." The European "seven-country delegation" has arrived in large numbers, staying for five days, and are also planning to meet with Hsiao Bi-khim and Lin Chia-lung.
More noteworthy is that this group also plans to visit Kinmen. It should be noted that Kinmen is the island closest to the mainland. Their visit to Kinmen clearly carries an insulting implication. Recently, the new version of the U.S. Defense Strategy Report sent out a different signal, where Taiwan was not mentioned at all.
An analysis suggests that from the recent actions of the U.S. toward Taiwan, it can be seen that Trump's main focus is still on the mainland, and the peaceful development of Sino-U.S. relations is crucial. Therefore, at this critical moment, the U.S. will not create trouble over the Taiwan issue and anger China. However, obviously, there is a divergence in the strategic direction between Europe and the U.S.
Seven-country representatives visiting Taiwan
These legislators, under the pretext of "supporting democracy," have visited Taiwan, actually supporting the "Taiwan independence" forces, attempting to create the illusion of "one China, one Taiwan" or "two Chinas" internationally. China has already made its position clear: There is only one China in the world, and no country can have official "political" relations with the authorities in Taiwan.
Now, these countries' legislators are openly visiting, which is an extremely irresponsible act towards their relations with China. Take Lithuania as an example, which has repeatedly done so without showing any remorse. Previously, the Lithuanian government had allowed the establishment of a "Taiwan Representative Office," which essentially changed the most important political consensus reached when the two countries established diplomatic relations.
Lithuania establishing the so-called "Taiwan Representative Office"
China has responded accurately, downgrading diplomatic relations to the level of chargé d'affaires. This not only means that the communication channels have been narrowed to the minimum necessary level, but also sends a clear signal that China has no room for compromise on core interests related to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Afterward, Lithuania wanted to ease relations with China, but what China received was this news.
For Lithuania, some domestic political forces try to play the role of a "forerunner" for certain major powers and a "test balloon," expecting more security and political protection and support from them. They mistakenly believe that sacrificing relations with China can bring greater strategic gains.
Hsiao Bi-khim and Lai Ching-te
Lithuania believes that by playing the role of a "forerunner" for certain major powers and a "test balloon," it can gain more protection and support from them in terms of security and politics. Perhaps they think that even if they offend China, their market is small, and they can compensate for the loss through the EU internal market. The facts prove that these ideas are completely wrong.
As for some of the other participating countries' legislators, their motives are more like "riding on the coattails" of political performances. They don't have to bear the full diplomatic costs of changing their country's policy toward China, but can use this opportunity to shape themselves as "brave" defenders of universal values, attracting attention from the domestic public and specific voter groups.
Whether for whatever purpose, the red line drawn by China has been clearly set. These countries should abide by their commitments and not challenge China's bottom line again and again. Not only will they cause trouble for themselves, affecting normal bilateral relations, but they would be committing serious crimes.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7602155116422005290/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.