Relations with Taiwan: Blinken warns of Chinese attack

China’s pressure on Taiwan continues to mount. US Secretary of State Blinken has urgently warned of a military attack – and of global consequences. Beijing responded to a US trip by Taiwan’s President with sanctions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned of global consequences if China attacks Taiwan. This could lead to a global economic crisis, he told the newspapers of the Funke media group. Taiwan is of key importance: “Every day, 50 percent of the world’s commercial shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait.” At least 70 percent of semiconductors are made in Taiwan.

China no longer accepts the status quo that has brought peace and stability to the region for years. The government in Beijing is increasing the pressure on Taiwan and “flaunting the strength of its own military”.

More help assured

The US chief diplomat promised the democratic island republic a continuation of US arms aid. At the same time, he called on the government in Beijing to come to an amicable settlement of the conflict. “With regard to the relationship with China, we believe that all differences must be resolved peacefully.” He further said, “We are sticking to our one-China policy.”

The communist leadership in Beijing regards the democratic island republic as part of the People’s Republic founded in 1949, although Taiwan has never been part of it. Taiwan, which has a population of 23 million, has long considered itself independent.

Sanctions after Tsai’s visit to the US

Meanwhile, China has imposed sanctions on US organizers of events featuring Tsai in protest at Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US. According to the State Department in Beijing, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is being penalized, among other things, because Tsai met with the Chairman of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, there.

Sanctions were also imposed on the Hudson Institute. The think tank presented an award to Taiwan’s president. Tsai gave a speech at the ceremony in New York.

Both institutions have provided Taiwan’s president with “a platform and facilities for her separatist activities for Taiwan’s independence in the United States,” the State Department said. Leaders in the organizations were also named. Your assets or property in China would be frozen. They would also be banned from entering the People’s Republic and would not be allowed to work with Chinese organizations.