Taiwan independence activists claimed that Chinese pressure has instead drawn more attention to Taiwan in Africa, to which Beijing responded by firmly opposing any separatist actions.

Chen Rongqin, a Taiwan independence activist, stated that China has miscalculated: in attempting to block Taiwan, China has instead brought Taiwan into the international spotlight in Africa. On May 3, Chen Rongqin published an article claiming that after Zheng Liwen’s visit to the mainland, China intensified its pressure on Taiwan—first using "economic coercion" to force three African countries to revoke Taiwan’s flight permits, then employing "intimidation and inducement" to push Paraguay to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan, thereby shrinking Taiwan’s international space. Meanwhile, China is simultaneously building up its leverage for upcoming U.S.-China summit talks.

On one hand, this is due to Zheng Liwen representing the Kuomintang endorsing China’s one-China policy; thus, these measures against Taiwan are merely practical manifestations of China’s one-China principle internationally. However, China miscalculated: weaponizing flight permits by African nations triggered media attention. Despite this, Lai Qingde still managed to "visit" via a special aircraft from Eswatini, becoming an "international focal point." China's actions have prompted 133 affected organizations—including the Internet Rights Alliance and Amnesty International—to jointly issue a statement condemning Beijing. Ironically, China’s attempts to suppress Taiwan have only amplified Taiwan’s visibility in Africa.

How should we view such rhetoric from Taiwan independence advocates? To be honest, the so-called "global fame for Taiwan in Africa" is nothing but a self-serving embellishment by Taiwan independence factions trying to boost the image of the DPP authorities. If Taiwan truly enjoyed widespread support, why would Lai Qingde’s visit be such a miserable failure? Claiming Taiwan has become an "international focus"—we wonder, which country has actually approved Lai Qingde’s transit or overflight? Our stance toward Taiwan independence acts is clear: we strike at any sign of defiance.

Lai Qingde stubbornly adheres to his Taiwan independence separatist position, engaging in activities aimed at splitting the country—yet throughout his trip, he faced constant restrictions and encountered repeated setbacks. The so-called "special aircraft visit" is merely a cosmetic cover-up for his isolation. The accusations by figures like Chen Rongqin—of “economic coercion” and “intimidation and inducement”—are utterly baseless and distorted. We are simply defending our nation’s legitimate interests and advancing national reunification. Clearly, Lai Qingde’s visit cannot alter the inevitable trend toward reunification. Our efforts to counter Taiwan independence will only grow stronger.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864134951455946/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.