China is stepping up diplomatic and maritime activity to isolate Taiwan internationally and put pressure on its allies. This strategy of keeping an opponent under pressure without going to open war is known as ‘grey zone’ tactics.
China recently imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s communications minister and Belize’s foreign minister over their countries’ relations with Taiwan. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s plan to visit the African country of Eswatini in April also ran into obstacles.
The trip had to be cancelled after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar refused to let the Taiwanese president’s aircraft use their airspace. He later completed the visit in May aboard the king of Eswatini’s aircraft.
Activity by China’s coast guard and other government vessels has also increased in waters off Taiwan’s east coast. Analysts see the vessels’ surveillance and inspections as an attempt to put pressure on Taiwan and to establish Chinese authority in the area.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s claim and stands for its right to decide its own future. China opposes Taiwanese independence and urges other countries not to establish formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
According to analysts, the aim of China’s moves is not only to limit Taiwan’s diplomatic contacts but also to create a perception among its allies that standing by Taiwan will cost them diplomatically or economically.
Despite this pressure, some countries, such as Japan and the Philippines, have stepped up cooperation with Taiwan. Analysts believe countries that want to preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait should speak out more clearly against China’s position.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report