Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council head, Kuan Bi-ling, warned that China’s gradually increasing pressure tactics risk creating an entirely new status quo in the Taiwan Strait. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has been pressuring not only Taiwan but also Japan and the Philippines with its maritime actions.
Grey Zone Activities
Kuan stated that the greatest danger of such ‘grey zone’ activities is that as they gradually step up, the status quo risks being changed almost without notice. China’s increasing pressure may lead to shipping routes being adjusted, insurance companies recalculating risk, and personnel on the frontlines bearing greater pressure.
The international community may gradually become accustomed to things that should never be regarded as normal, Kuan said. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China blames Taiwan for the tensions, especially President Lai Ching-te, whom it calls a ‘separatist’. Lai says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
