The Voice News: TAIPEI – Taiwan’s top China policy official, Chiu Chui-cheng, accused Beijing of provoking tensions and deliberately ignoring Taipei’s offers of goodwill and dialogue, citing China’s intensifying military and political pressure.
Despite Taiwan’s democratic governance and rejection of China’s sovereignty claims, Beijing has staged multiple military drills since President Lai Ching-te took office last year. These include war games, threats of capital punishment for pro-independence figures, and hotlines to report separatist activity.
“We’ve extended many olive branches,” Chiu told Reuters in Taipei, emphasizing Taiwan’s readiness for talks—on the basis of equality and without preconditions. “But China refuses to show sincerity and continues exerting extreme pressure, from daily military incursions to influence operations.”
Chiu reiterated that Taiwan, officially still the Republic of China since 1949, cannot accept being labeled as part of the People’s Republic of China. “We are a democratic country, and Beijing’s political premises belittle our identity.”
Responding to Taiwan’s remarks, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office insisted the island is “objectively” part of China and blamed Taipei’s “independence schemes” for obstructing dialogue.
In March, President Lai labeled China a “foreign hostile force” due to rising propaganda and infiltration tactics—an accusation that prompted another round of Chinese war games.
Chiu likened China’s reporting hotline to the chaos of the Cultural Revolution, noting it has instilled fear in Taiwanese businesspeople in China. “Many have told me they’re leaving not because of the economy but because of fear and distrust in the environment.”