Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has triggered tensions with China. Now, Taiwan has become a new flash point in US-China relations? But why Taiwan matters to the United States?

Taiwan new flash point in US-China relations | Why Taiwan matters to the United States?

Taiwan has showcased most advanced fighter jets and unveiled the F-16V fighter jet. Taipei has stimulated defence against invasion by China. Meanwhile, experts have said that possibility of a war is unlikely.

Taiwan's air force flexes its muscles | Taiwanese fear Chinese aggression

Taiwan is under China's invasion threat and islands at the forefront of a looming war with China. War strategists have warned that China could start its attack from Matsu & Kinmen.

WION Fineprint: Islands at the forefront of a looming war with China

World at War | Episode 16: Ukraine's mystery explosions destroy Russian fighter jets in Crimea United States tests its nuclear capable Minuteman III missile China's 'String of Pearls' for dominance of the Indian Ocean region & is it time for the U.S. to put behind its policy of strategic ambiguity over Taiwan? Mohammed Saleh gets you an indepth report of the World's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

World at War | Episode 16: Ukraine's mystery explosions destroy Russian fighter jets in Crimea

China is intensifying its patrols near Taiwan. 90% of the people in Taiwan reject the claim that the island belongs to China. Beijing is willing to use force to take Taiwan, if necessary. A Chinese Law gives legal backing to an invasion. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese law gives legal backing to Taiwan invasion

Taiwan is staging military exercises to show its ability to resist Chinese pressure to accept Beijing's political control over the island.

WION Fineprint: Taipei holds military exercises to display war preparedness

Amid heightened tensions over Taiwan, both the US and Chinese ambassadors have released statements regarding the situation. The Chinese ambassador has said that he's concerned about the level of trust between China and the United States.

US, Chinese ambassadors address ongoing Taiwan crisis; China to prove not an 'agent of instability'

Battleground Taiwan: Taipei stimulates defence against invasion by China

Amidst military drills and heated exchanges, tensions between Beijing and Taipei are at an all-time high. The big question on everyone's mind is will China invade Taiwan and if that happens, can a self-governing island which china considers a renegade province defend itself well in terms of military?

Can China take Taiwan by force?

War clouds are harboring over Taiwan. Enraged over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit, Beijing has launched its massive military drills around Taiwan. Firing ballistic missiles and deploying dozens of fighter jets and warships amidst increasing hostilities with China, Taiwan is also readying itself.

Taiwan: Flexes military muscle, President thanks Navy amid tensions

China is conducting a campaign to weaken Taiwan on all fronts. From military drills to cyberattacks and misinformation - Beijing's latest provocations are testing Taiwan's resolve. Palki Sharma tells you more about China's campaign.

Gravitas: Inside China's operation to weaken Taiwan

Amid tensions with China, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen&nbsp;released a video to show how close the Chinese military ships were to the island during the recently concluded military drills by the communist nation.

Taiwan said it had tracked 51 warplanes and six warships on Thursday and at least 25 planes either crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defence zone.

Chinese planes have crossed the median line&nbsp;several times since August 3 after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month. Both countries conducted military drills but the situation largely remained under control even as both sides displayed their military muscle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-taiwanese-oppose-one-china-policy-unification-less-attractive-after-china-drills-poll-finds-508000">Also Read:&nbsp;Most Taiwanese oppose 'One China' policy,&nbsp;poll finds</a>

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it has said it will take by force if necessary. Last year China sent a record number of warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone.

The US has maintained that it wants China and Taiwan to settle their dispute peacefully.

Watch:&nbsp;US, Taiwan aim to reach 'economically meaningful outcomes'

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“We will continue to take calm and resolute steps to uphold peace and stability in the face of Beijing's ongoing efforts to undermine it, and to support Taiwan,” Kurt Campbell, President Joe Biden's coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region said recently.

The latest military manoeuvres came after the US and Taiwan announced plans to start trade talks in autumn with eleven trade areas to be discussed between Washington and Taipei, including&nbsp;trade facilitation, digital trade, and non-market policies among others.

China's foreign ministry slammed the upcoming trade talks and urged the US to adhere to the "One China" policy and stop all official interactions with Taiwan even as Taipei welcomed the move.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid tensions with China, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen released a video to show how close the Chinese military ships were to the island during the recently concluded military drills by the communist nation.

Amid tensions with China, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen released a video to show how close the Chinese military ships were to the island during the recently concluded military drills by the communist nation. Taiwan said it had tracked 51 warplanes and six warships on Thursday and at least 25 planes either crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defence zone. Chinese planes have crossed the median line several times since August 3 after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month. Both countries conducted military drills but the situation largely remained under control even as both sides displayed their military muscle. Also Read: Most Taiwanese oppose 'One China' policy, poll finds China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it has said it will take by force if necessary. Last year China sent a record number of warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone. The US has maintained that it wants China and Taiwan to settle their dispute peacefully. Watch: US, Taiwan aim to reach 'economically meaningful outcomes' “We will continue to take calm and resolute steps to uphold peace and stability in the face of Beijing's ongoing efforts to undermine it, and to support Taiwan,” Kurt Campbell, President Joe Biden's coordinator for the Indo-Pacific region said recently. The latest military manoeuvres came after the US and Taiwan announced plans to start trade talks in autumn with eleven trade areas to be discussed between Washington and Taipei, including trade facilitation, digital trade, and non-market policies among others. China's foreign ministry slammed the upcoming trade talks and urged the US to adhere to the "One China" policy and stop all official interactions with Taiwan even as Taipei welcomed the move. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Will continue calm, resolute steps to uphold peace and stability, says US on China-Taiwan tensions

As tensions continue to simmer in the Taiwan strait, a video released by the Taiwanese President shows just how close the Chinese military ships are to the island.

Chinese ships cross Taiwan's median line, 51 warplanes , 6 warships spotted in Taiwan strait

Taipei simulates defence against invasion by China, Taiwan showcases most advanced fighter jets

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China. The two sides stated that they intended to negotiate accords with "economically meaningful outcomes."

In June, just days after the Biden administration removed the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic strategy intended to challenge China's expanding influence, Washington and Taipei presented the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The first round of negotiations is anticipated to begin early this fall, according to the office of the US Trade Representative, which stated that the two parties had "reached consensus on the negotiating mandate."

Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said in a statement, "We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule for achieving high-standard commitments and meaningful outcomes covering the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy."&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-were-heartbroken-were-exhausted-france-battles-monster-wildfire-506842">&nbsp;IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'</a>

The United States and Taiwan have established a robust agenda for discussions on topics like trade facilitation, sound regulatory standards, and removing discriminatory trade obstacles, according to the negotiating mandate released along with the statement. The formal negotiations will begin with the goal of coming to agreements with "high standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes," it was stated.

It made no mention of the potential for a comprehensive free trade agreement, which Taiwan has been urging for. Washington has been eager to increase assistance for Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic connections, particularly as it comes under increased political pressure from China to recognise its sovereignty claims.

(with inputs from agencies)

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China.

In another evidence of increased US backing for the island, the United States and Taiwan on Wednesday agreed to begin trade negotiations under a new initiative which is sure to anger China. The two sides stated that they intended to negotiate accords with "economically meaningful outcomes." In June, just days after the Biden administration removed the Chinese-claimed island from its Asia-focused economic strategy intended to challenge China's expanding influence, Washington and Taipei presented the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The first round of negotiations is anticipated to begin early this fall, according to the office of the US Trade Representative, which stated that the two parties had "reached consensus on the negotiating mandate." Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi said in a statement, "We plan to pursue an ambitious schedule for achieving high-standard commitments and meaningful outcomes covering the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate that will help build a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st-century economy." Also Read: IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire' The United States and Taiwan have established a robust agenda for discussions on topics like trade facilitation, sound regulatory standards, and removing discriminatory trade obstacles, according to the negotiating mandate released along with the statement. The formal negotiations will begin with the goal of coming to agreements with "high standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes," it was stated. It made no mention of the potential for a comprehensive free trade agreement, which Taiwan has been urging for. Washington has been eager to increase assistance for Taiwan despite the absence of formal diplomatic connections, particularly as it comes under increased political pressure from China to recognise its sovereignty claims. (with inputs from agencies)

US, Taiwan begin formal talks under new trade initiative in move that will anger China

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait reached their highest level in decades and continue to rise as the Taiwanese defence ministry announced on Thursday (August 18) that over 50 Chinese military aircraft were detected in operation around the island.&nbsp;

The defence ministry wrote on Twitter: "6 PLAN vessels and 51 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 18, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8)."&nbsp;

"#ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems," it added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-deploys-mig-31-fighters-with-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-to-its-baltic-exclave-508209">Russia deploys MiG-31 fighters with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to its Baltic exclave</a>&nbsp;

The ministry further said: "25 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*12, J-10*4, J-16*6, Y-8 EW and H-6*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated."&nbsp;

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent Taiwan visit, followed by another visit of the island nation by US lawmakers, flared up tensions between China and US. Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. China even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-turkey-stands-on-the-side-of-ukraine-508183">Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl</a>&nbsp;

Amid escalating tensions, Taiwan's air force showcased its anti-aircraft capabilities on Thursday and stated that they were ready for action 24 hours a day for any situation.&nbsp;

Air defence officer Chen Te-huan said: "We were not nervous at all at that time, as our regular training is prepared for all-day, 24-hour missile operations. When the Chinese military acted, we were already well prepared."&nbsp;

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Tensions in the Taiwan Strait reached their highest level in decades and continue to rise as the Taiwanese defence ministry announced on Thursday (August 18) that over 50 Chinese military aircraft were detected in operation around the island.

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait reached their highest level in decades and continue to rise as the Taiwanese defence ministry announced on Thursday (August 18) that over 50 Chinese military aircraft were detected in operation around the island. The defence ministry wrote on Twitter: "6 PLAN vessels and 51 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 18, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8)." "#ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems," it added. ALSO READ | Russia deploys MiG-31 fighters with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to its Baltic exclave The ministry further said: "25 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*12, J-10*4, J-16*6, Y-8 EW and H-6*2) had flown on the east part of the median line of the Taiwan Strait and our SW ADIZ, flight paths as illustrated." US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent Taiwan visit, followed by another visit of the island nation by US lawmakers, flared up tensions between China and US. Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. China even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. ALSO READ | Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl Amid escalating tensions, Taiwan's air force showcased its anti-aircraft capabilities on Thursday and stated that they were ready for action 24 hours a day for any situation. Air defence officer Chen Te-huan said: "We were not nervous at all at that time, as our regular training is prepared for all-day, 24-hour missile operations. When the Chinese military acted, we were already well prepared." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan says over 50 Chinese military aircraft detected in operation near island

Taiwan where it's windswept Matsu Islands found close to China's coast, has been a driving point in conversations over a potential invasion by China. Beijing has claimed for Taiwan as its own.

Taiwan: Ever-increasing threat of war, Matsu island just off the coast of China

In the face of the continued Chinese war games, Taiwan on Wednesday unveiled its most advanced fighter jet in front of the media.

Taiwan showcases advanced fighter jets, Taipei stimulates defence against invasion by China

Why US lawmakers’ Taiwan trips keep riling China

Taiwan on Wednesday unveiled its most advanced fighter jet. The Taiwanese military demonstrated its determination to defend the democratically governed island.

US, Taiwan aim to reach 'economically meaningful outcomes'

Why did China step up military pressure on Taiwan? The Communist Party faces growing challenges at home. Is military action near Taiwan a smokescreen to hide mistakes? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Chinese Military is threatening Taiwan

The United States military said on Tuesday that it had carried out a test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which was postponed to prevent raising tensions with Beijing after China's display of force near Taiwan earlier this month

U.S. carries out ICBM test that was delayed due to Chinese show-of-force over Taiwan

With the end of the Cold War, apart from claims of “end of history” and “end of ideology”, there was a widely held geopolitical thought – “With U.S. unipolarity, the concept of strong imposing their will on the weak or better known as Spheres of Influence is redundant.” However, as Graham Allison pointed out in 2020, the “New Spheres of Influence” continue to reflect the older power equations, as well as present strategic ambitions and the United States, would have to ‘share the globe’ with other powers. As the new 21st century is showing the world- especially in the year 2022- these other powers are, clearly, Russia and China, with their aggressive domestic perception management and war posturing. Both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in their authoritarian regimes exhibit past national obsessions coupled with a quest for maintaining domestic regime stability.&nbsp; 

As far as the past obsessions go, there have been several analyses in order to decode “Who is Mr Putin?”&nbsp; in tracing his journey from a KGB mid-level spy who loved the erstwhile Soviet Union to a nationalist rhetoric-feeding, avaricious, authoritarian President. The notion that Ukraine is not a country, but a historical part of Russia, is deeply ingrained in Putin’s ideologues and actions in 2014 for Crimea and the present 2022 War in Ukraine. As ancient as international relations itself, bigger powers have always demanded deference from lesser powers on their borders or adjacent seas. Putin visualising Eurasia as part of Russia’s Sphere of Influence is a testament to this notion.

Similarly, Chinese actions and misgivings over Taiwan are just an excuse to rekindle another past obsession of Xi Jinping's familial history. As the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi landed at the Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan on August 3, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had already come up with its list of banned Taiwanese imports, military drills crossing the Taiwan median line along with certain Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)/cyberattacks. China has also released a list of new measures against the U.S. halting exchanges on a varied set of issues along with new claims of “re-educating Taiwan”. &nbsp;One does not wish to indulge in war mongering by making ‘too-soon-to-declare” fourth Taiwan Strait crisis’ claims, but at the same time, Pelosi becomes the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years - now herself inviting sanctions from Beijing. 

Beijing has been singlehandedly the most affronted by this trip, not only in the backdrop of the “One China policy’ but also because Xi Jinping is three months away from the 20th National Congress meeting of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Countries like Russia, Iran, Belarus, Pakistan, North Korea, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and Myanmar’s junta government with the Taliban’s Afghanistan have already reaffirmed the ‘One China’ principle while several ASEAN countries have also come up with their version of “respective One China policy support”. Propaganda warfare is also a part of the new age tactics of modern age warfare since the Cold War era and it has resurfaced again on the issue of Taiwan for the CCP’s “face-saving”. 

However, for Xi Jinping, Taiwan is not only a central issue for portraying its strong image as the mass-favourite ‘Supreme Leader’ for the upcoming National Congress meet. Amidst stifling lockdowns for the absurd ‘zero-Covid’ Chinese policy, Evergrande real estate crisis and mass protests, the Taiwan issue for Xi is a personal and deeply emotional issue as well. Given the deep involvement of his father Xi Zhongxun in the United Front work for Taiwan spanning over many decades, the unification of Taiwan is a family plus national duty for Xi. The Kuomintang (KMT) was the Chinese political party ruling over mainland China from 1927-1949 before its exile to the island of Formosa (aka Taiwan or Republic of China). Xi Zhongxun was deeply engaged in backchannel negotiations with Taipei during the late Mao era and the failure of not being able to achieve “unification’ left a festering wound before his death. As a child, Xi had seen his father meeting with the KMT officials for the United Front work and thus, today’s Pelosi visit is more than a simple provocation for him. Xi Jinping has always put regime stability of the PRC over everything else, but he constantly repeated that he would not let any part of territory slip away that his “ancestors” had left for the Chinese people. He, most probably, will not let this current visit merely slip away into oblivion.

As seen by the actions of both Putin and Xi to preserve their respective Spheres of Influence, past concerns of ‘prestige, manipulation and coercion’ (borrowing from Joseph Torigian’s book title) can very well snowball into higher-order security implications. For America, the visit comes in the wake of declining Biden’s popularity on account of inflation and Russia not backing down in Ukraine. Back-pedalling on the highly anticipated Pelosi visit to Taiwan would have fervently crushed the U.S. power projection. The drone strike killing of al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri and Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit are now seen as rebound signs for “America’s waning influence”.

Revisionist powers, as pointed out by experts on China like Hal Brands et al, exhibit a ‘peaking -power syndrome’. Russia and China are no longer ascendant powers who would exhibit optimism aka “peaceful rise”. They are experiencing soaring power ambitions in order to coax and coerce their “Spheres of Influence” to showcase deference. Both are under tremendous stress of eroding domestic legitimacy due to pandemic-induced economic and social woes. Fast-growing countries like China respond to economic slumps with reckless expansionist tendencies to feed their home-rhetoric and face-saving games. Here come the nearby ‘Spheres of Influence’ to help them play games of prestige, coercion and information warfare. Anxiety and Aspiration are a dangerous recipe for explosion and the balance of power theorists and policymakers should always remember that bubbling frustration in revisionist powers just needs a spark or an excuse to project and protect their regional hegemony and aspiring superpower status.&nbsp; 

As far as India is concerned, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has come up with an official release to “exercise restraint” in the ongoing concern and has called for “de-escalation”. Delhi has been watching Taiwan way more closely this time than any other time before and in its ‘concern” over the issues, it has not made an explicit reference to the ‘One-China policy'. Taiwan is close to home for India as both are major parts of the Indo-Pacific construct and therefore, it will not be easy for India to sit on the fence this time. Taiwan, through its new Southbound Policy (launched in 2016) has always encouraged a more concrete relationship with India. New Delhi’s Act East and Indo-Pacific outreach efforts also recognise Taipei for deeper economic relations; especially in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Over Ukraine, India has been dodging bullets at its claims of strategic autonomy with the West obsessing over India buying Russian oil and not participating in the Western economic sanction game on Moscow. 

India’s own ‘Sphere of Influence’, apart from South Asia, features in the greater Indo-Pacific order as well for its own foreign policy ambitions. China, in no way, shares terms with India like the Russia-India relations do and the direct Chinese military pressures in the Himalayas and the oceans coerce Delhi to not be “neutral” here in Indo-Pacific affairs. There are hard concerns in New Delhi over a possible Chinese hegemony in Asia. By keeping quiet on this aspect - maintaining, an “elusive balancing stance”, like always, will not help Delhi in any way. If tensions escalate in intensity “neutrality” and “sitting on the bench” will make it, unwillingly, fall into the “Chinese Sphere of Influence”. And this will be a dangerous and slippery slope for Indian foreign policy.

&nbsp;

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With the end of the Cold War, apart from claims of “end of history” and “end of ideology”, there was a widely held geopolitical thought – “With U.S. unipolarity, the concept of strong imposing their will on the weak or better known as Spheres of Influence is redundant.

With the end of the Cold War, apart from claims of “end of history” and “end of ideology”, there was a widely held geopolitical thought – “With U.S. unipolarity, the concept of strong imposing their will on the weak or better known as Spheres of Influence is redundant.” However, as Graham Allison pointed out in 2020, the “New Spheres of Influence” continue to reflect the older power equations, as well as present strategic ambitions and the United States, would have to ‘share the globe’ with other powers. As the new 21st century is showing the world- especially in the year 2022- these other powers are, clearly, Russia and China, with their aggressive domestic perception management and war posturing. Both Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in their authoritarian regimes exhibit past national obsessions coupled with a quest for maintaining domestic regime stability. As far as the past obsessions go, there have been several analyses in order to decode “Who is Mr Putin?” in tracing his journey from a KGB mid-level spy who loved the erstwhile Soviet Union to a nationalist rhetoric-feeding, avaricious, authoritarian President. The notion that Ukraine is not a country, but a historical part of Russia, is deeply ingrained in Putin’s ideologues and actions in 2014 for Crimea and the present 2022 War in Ukraine. As ancient as international relations itself, bigger powers have always demanded deference from lesser powers on their borders or adjacent seas. Putin visualising Eurasia as part of Russia’s Sphere of Influence is a testament to this notion. Similarly, Chinese actions and misgivings over Taiwan are just an excuse to rekindle another past obsession of Xi Jinping's familial history. As the U.S. House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi landed at the Songshan Airport in Taipei, Taiwan on August 3, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had already come up with its list of banned Taiwanese imports, military drills crossing the Taiwan median line along with certain Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)/cyberattacks. China has also released a list of new measures against the U.S. halting exchanges on a varied set of issues along with new claims of “re-educating Taiwan”. One does not wish to indulge in war mongering by making ‘too-soon-to-declare” fourth Taiwan Strait crisis’ claims, but at the same time, Pelosi becomes the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years - now herself inviting sanctions from Beijing. Beijing has been singlehandedly the most affronted by this trip, not only in the backdrop of the “One China policy’ but also because Xi Jinping is three months away from the 20th National Congress meeting of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Countries like Russia, Iran, Belarus, Pakistan, North Korea, Thailand, Cuba, Cambodia and Myanmar’s junta government with the Taliban’s Afghanistan have already reaffirmed the ‘One China’ principle while several ASEAN countries have also come up with their version of “respective One China policy support”. Propaganda warfare is also a part of the new age tactics of modern age warfare since the Cold War era and it has resurfaced again on the issue of Taiwan for the CCP’s “face-saving”. However, for Xi Jinping, Taiwan is not only a central issue for portraying its strong image as the mass-favourite ‘Supreme Leader’ for the upcoming National Congress meet. Amidst stifling lockdowns for the absurd ‘zero-Covid’ Chinese policy, Evergrande real estate crisis and mass protests, the Taiwan issue for Xi is a personal and deeply emotional issue as well. Given the deep involvement of his father Xi Zhongxun in the United Front work for Taiwan spanning over many decades, the unification of Taiwan is a family plus national duty for Xi. The Kuomintang (KMT) was the Chinese political party ruling over mainland China from 1927-1949 before its exile to the island of Formosa (aka Taiwan or Republic of China). Xi Zhongxun was deeply engaged in backchannel negotiations with Taipei during the late Mao era and the failure of not being able to achieve “unification’ left a festering wound before his death. As a child, Xi had seen his father meeting with the KMT officials for the United Front work and thus, today’s Pelosi visit is more than a simple provocation for him. Xi Jinping has always put regime stability of the PRC over everything else, but he constantly repeated that he would not let any part of territory slip away that his “ancestors” had left for the Chinese people. He, most probably, will not let this current visit merely slip away into oblivion. As seen by the actions of both Putin and Xi to preserve their respective Spheres of Influence, past concerns of ‘prestige, manipulation and coercion’ (borrowing from Joseph Torigian’s book title) can very well snowball into higher-order security implications. For America, the visit comes in the wake of declining Biden’s popularity on account of inflation and Russia not backing down in Ukraine. Back-pedalling on the highly anticipated Pelosi visit to Taiwan would have fervently crushed the U.S. power projection. The drone strike killing of al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri and Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan visit are now seen as rebound signs for “America’s waning influence”. Revisionist powers, as pointed out by experts on China like Hal Brands et al, exhibit a ‘peaking -power syndrome’. Russia and China are no longer ascendant powers who would exhibit optimism aka “peaceful rise”. They are experiencing soaring power ambitions in order to coax and coerce their “Spheres of Influence” to showcase deference. Both are under tremendous stress of eroding domestic legitimacy due to pandemic-induced economic and social woes. Fast-growing countries like China respond to economic slumps with reckless expansionist tendencies to feed their home-rhetoric and face-saving games. Here come the nearby ‘Spheres of Influence’ to help them play games of prestige, coercion and information warfare. Anxiety and Aspiration are a dangerous recipe for explosion and the balance of power theorists and policymakers should always remember that bubbling frustration in revisionist powers just needs a spark or an excuse to project and protect their regional hegemony and aspiring superpower status. As far as India is concerned, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has come up with an official release to “exercise restraint” in the ongoing concern and has called for “de-escalation”. Delhi has been watching Taiwan way more closely this time than any other time before and in its ‘concern” over the issues, it has not made an explicit reference to the ‘One-China policy'. Taiwan is close to home for India as both are major parts of the Indo-Pacific construct and therefore, it will not be easy for India to sit on the fence this time. Taiwan, through its new Southbound Policy (launched in 2016) has always encouraged a more concrete relationship with India. New Delhi’s Act East and Indo-Pacific outreach efforts also recognise Taipei for deeper economic relations; especially in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Over Ukraine, India has been dodging bullets at its claims of strategic autonomy with the West obsessing over India buying Russian oil and not participating in the Western economic sanction game on Moscow. India’s own ‘Sphere of Influence’, apart from South Asia, features in the greater Indo-Pacific order as well for its own foreign policy ambitions. China, in no way, shares terms with India like the Russia-India relations do and the direct Chinese military pressures in the Himalayas and the oceans coerce Delhi to not be “neutral” here in Indo-Pacific affairs. There are hard concerns in New Delhi over a possible Chinese hegemony in Asia. By keeping quiet on this aspect - maintaining, an “elusive balancing stance”, like always, will not help Delhi in any way. If tensions escalate in intensity “neutrality” and “sitting on the bench” will make it, unwillingly, fall into the “Chinese Sphere of Influence”. And this will be a dangerous and slippery slope for Indian foreign policy. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Game of spheres of influence – during which India should not sit on the bench

The United States has successfully tested a nuclear-capable ballistic missile on Tuesday after twice postponing the launch to avoid fueling tensions amid the ongoing Ukraine war and the Taiwan conflict.

US carries out Intercontinental missile test delayed over Taiwan conflict, Ukraine war

China continues its crackdown on Taiwan. In the latest, it has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting the island's independence, its state media reported.

US delegation's Taiwan visit irks China, sanctions 7 Taiwanese officials

A delegation of US lawmakers paid a visit to Taiwan. Beijing has responded with a dire threat. China's Defence Ministry has said that the PLA continues to "train and prepare for war". Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: China threatens war after visit by US lawmakers

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month continues to have more fallouts. Now China has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting Taiwan independence, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday. China says Pelosi's visit has sent a wrong signal to pro-independence forces there. Democratically self-ruled Taiwan rejects China's hold over it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-cares-nancy-pelosi-laughs-at-chinas-decision-to-sanction-her-and-her-family-505746">'Who cares?', Nancy Pelosi laughs at China's decision to sanction her and her family</a>

Among those sanctioned by China's Taiwan Affairs Office are Hsiao Bi-khim, the de facto Taiwan ambassador to Washington, and Wellington Koo, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council. Politicians from Taiwan's ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party were also sanctioned.

Those sanctioned will not be able to visit China, Hong Kong and Macau, a Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson said. Consequently, companies and investors that are linked to these officials won't be allowed to profit in China.

The seven are in addition to Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and parliament Speaker You Si-kun who were previously sanctioned.

Earlier, angered by Pelosi's visit, China held military drills near Taiwan in a show of force.&nbsp;Speaking about the&nbsp;retaliatory drills, Pelosi had said the US could not permit China to normalise the new level of pressure on Taiwan that it asserted.

Pelosi, who has been a vocal critic of China for decades, said, "We went there to praise Taiwan. We went there to show our friendship, to say China cannot isolate Taiwan."

(With inputs from agencies)

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US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month continues to have more fallouts. Now China has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting Taiwan independence, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan earlier this month continues to have more fallouts. Now China has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting Taiwan independence, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday. China says Pelosi's visit has sent a wrong signal to pro-independence forces there. Democratically self-ruled Taiwan rejects China's hold over it. Also Read | 'Who cares?', Nancy Pelosi laughs at China's decision to sanction her and her family Among those sanctioned by China's Taiwan Affairs Office are Hsiao Bi-khim, the de facto Taiwan ambassador to Washington, and Wellington Koo, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council. Politicians from Taiwan's ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party were also sanctioned. Those sanctioned will not be able to visit China, Hong Kong and Macau, a Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson said. Consequently, companies and investors that are linked to these officials won't be allowed to profit in China. The seven are in addition to Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and parliament Speaker You Si-kun who were previously sanctioned. Earlier, angered by Pelosi's visit, China held military drills near Taiwan in a show of force. Speaking about the retaliatory drills, Pelosi had said the US could not permit China to normalise the new level of pressure on Taiwan that it asserted. Pelosi, who has been a vocal critic of China for decades, said, "We went there to praise Taiwan. We went there to show our friendship, to say China cannot isolate Taiwan." (With inputs from agencies)

China sanctions seven Taiwanese officials for supporting the island's independence

China has sanctioned seven Taiwanese officials for supporting Taiwan’s independence as Beijing continues to increase its authority over island amid regional tensions. The sanctions came after an American congressional delegation departed the island-nation on Monday.

WION Dispatch: China sanctions seven Taiwanese officials over supporting Taiwan independence

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan has caused a massive uproar in China. In the aftermath of the incident, the Chinese military conducted a number of military drills with airplanes breaching the Taiwan border on multiple occasions. A number of world leaders have already reacted to the developments and Russian President Vladimir Putin became the latest one.

During a speech at Moscow security conference, Putin blamed United States for creating tension in Asia as part of a "thoroughly planned provocation". He also said that the AUKUS security pact between Australia, Britain and the United States was an attempt to create another NATO-like bloc.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-nuclear-war-could-kill-2-billion-people-study-507435" hreflang="en">India-Pakistan nuclear war could kill 2 billion people: Study</a>

"The visit was not just a trip by a single irresponsible politician, but part of a purposeful, conscious U.S. strategy to destabilize and sow chaos in the region and the world", he said according to Reuters.

In the past, Russia has spoken about US trying to create an alliance against Russia on the global stage in order to maintain “Western hegemony and neo-colonialism”. Putin stuck to the narrative on Monday and suggested that the security pact can be a precursor to massive global conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-rock-ammunition-depot-in-russia-controlled-crimea-507413">Blasts rock ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, Ukraine's role hinted</a>

"We also see that the collective West is seeking to extend its bloc system to the Asia-Pacific region by analogy with NATO in Europe. For this purpose, aggressive military-political alliances are being formed, such as AUKUS and others," the Russian President added during his speech in Moscow.

A second US congressional delegation reached Taiwan last week and they met President Tsai Ing-wen as part of US efforts to reaffirm their support to the nation amid the conflict with China.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan has caused a massive uproar in China. In the aftermath of the incident, the Chinese military conducted a number of military drills with airplanes breaching the Taiwan border on multiple occasions.

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan has caused a massive uproar in China. In the aftermath of the incident, the Chinese military conducted a number of military drills with airplanes breaching the Taiwan border on multiple occasions. A number of world leaders have already reacted to the developments and Russian President Vladimir Putin became the latest one. During a speech at Moscow security conference, Putin blamed United States for creating tension in Asia as part of a "thoroughly planned provocation". He also said that the AUKUS security pact between Australia, Britain and the United States was an attempt to create another NATO-like bloc. Also read | India-Pakistan nuclear war could kill 2 billion people: Study "The visit was not just a trip by a single irresponsible politician, but part of a purposeful, conscious U.S. strategy to destabilize and sow chaos in the region and the world", he said according to Reuters. In the past, Russia has spoken about US trying to create an alliance against Russia on the global stage in order to maintain “Western hegemony and neo-colonialism”. Putin stuck to the narrative on Monday and suggested that the security pact can be a precursor to massive global conflict. Also read | Blasts rock ammunition depot in Russia-annexed Crimea, Ukraine's role hinted "We also see that the collective West is seeking to extend its bloc system to the Asia-Pacific region by analogy with NATO in Europe. For this purpose, aggressive military-political alliances are being formed, such as AUKUS and others," the Russian President added during his speech in Moscow. A second US congressional delegation reached Taiwan last week and they met President Tsai Ing-wen as part of US efforts to reaffirm their support to the nation amid the conflict with China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Vladimir Putin accuses US of causing tensions in Asia with Taiwan visit

China has announced more military drills around Taiwan as the self-governing island’s president met with members of a new U.S. congressional delegation on August 15.

China announces new drills as US's 5-member Congressional delegation visits Taiwan

A furious China has reinitiated its military drills around Taiwan. After U.S House speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit, another U.S congressional delegation's arrival in the island on Sunday has added fuel to the fire.

Taiwan: After Nancy Pelosi, congressional delegation visits Taiwan

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