China sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to “reunite” the self-ruled island with the mainland. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be eagerly awaiting the briefing this Saturday, when the polling stations in Taiwan close. The high point of this pragmatic solidarity came in November 2015 when Chinese President Xi met the then president of the Republic of China, Ma Ying-jeou, in Singapore. Former President Ma, now as a private individual, also visited mainland China last summer. Under President Ma, Beijing and Taipei, both members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), signed the Cross Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) to reduce tariffs and trade restrictions.

Source: Indian Express January 13, 2024 15:34 UTC