A bunch of officers from Shanghai arrived in Taiwan on Saturday for the primary go to to the island by Chinese politicians since 2020, as scores of activists gathered in protest.
“China get out,” shouted some demonstrators outdoors Taipei’s airport, holding indicators studying “Taiwan, China, separate countries” in protest in opposition to Beijing’s declare that self-ruled Taiwan is a part of its territory.
Exchanges between the 2 sides had been considerably decreased because of border controls throughout the coronavirus pandemic however contact was uncommon even earlier than COVID owing to rising tensions.
Taiwan reopened its border in October however nonetheless imposed tighter guidelines on Chinese residents together with barring vacationers.
The six-member delegation, led by Li Xiaodong, deputy head accountable for Taiwan affairs in Shanghai, didn’t remark to the media upon arrival on the airport.
Their host, the Taipei metropolis authorities, stated the group will tour a lantern pageant celebrating the Lunar New Year in addition to cultural amenities in a “low-key and simple” three-day go to.
Some of the protesters stated they hoped the Chinese officers would “learn” about Taiwan’s democracy throughout the journey.
“We are here to welcome a Communist Party politician from Shanghai. We want to welcome him to our free and democratic Taiwan, and hope he will learn what freedom and democracy are,” Song Jen-he, 68, informed AFP.
Beijing has ramped up army, democratic and financial strain on Taiwan below President Xi Jinping, who has stated “reunification” with Taiwan should not be handed on to future generations.
Tensions reached their most intense in many years after Beijing staged huge army drills round Taiwan in August to protest in opposition to a go to to Taipei by then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi. — Agence France-Presse
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
