Xi s Failed Attempt to Undermine Taiwan Has Instead LED to the Island Gaining Significant Recognition in Africa

(Image source: Facebook of Lai Ching-te, President of the Republic of China)

[People News] The Chinese Communist Party previously pressured three African nations to deny Taiwan's special aircraft access to their airspace in an effort to obstruct President Lai Ching-te's visit. However, good news emerged in early May, as Lai successfully broke through Beijing's blockade and arrived in the friendly nation of Eswatini on the 2nd to commence a state visit, much to the dismay of the Chinese Communist Party. In this context, Shen Rongqin, an associate professor at York University in Canada, pointed out that Xi Jinping's attempts to prevent Taiwan's presence have inadvertently led to Taiwan gaining considerable fame in Africa, marking a significant miscalculation on Xi's part.

Shen noted that while Zheng Liwen gained substantial benefits from the 'Zheng-Xi meeting,' the Chinese Communist Party does not genuinely care about her, which is why they announced military exercises during her visit to China. Nevertheless, Zheng has effectively played her role as an intermediary, exerting considerable pressure on the DPP government both internationally and domestically, from the one-China principle without separate statements, military procurement budgets, to hoping that Trump would oppose Taiwan independence.

Shen further commented on the People's Party, noting that former Deputy Secretary-General Xu Pu, upon learning of President Lai's successful visit, quickly sought to absolve the Chinese Communist Party of blame, stating that the obstacles to Lai's visit 'should not be entirely attributed to the CCP's suppression,' and that it was 'merely a form of A-Q style psychological victory.' This, he argued, would only diminish the People's Party's standing and reduce it to a mere sidekick. Just as Li Sichuan does not require prior commitments, Huang Guochang will recklessly charge forward to attack the DPP, and if issues arise, he can easily distance himself. Given that someone is willing to undervalue themselves, why should Li Sichuan first offer Huang Guochang the vice mayor position that he is so fixated on?

However, Shen Rongqin pointed out that one of Xi Jinping's miscalculations is that Taiwan has gained considerable recognition in Africa as a result. Initially, three African countries 'weaponised flight permissions, which drew extensive attention from international media. Lai Ching-te's visit on a special flight from Eswatini has turned him into an international focal point.

Simultaneously, the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to block Taiwan's attendance at the global digital human rights conference in Zambia led the RightsCon organisers to cancel the event. This prompted 133 affected organisations, including the Net Rights Coalition and Amnesty International, to issue a joint statement of protest. In trying to prevent Taiwan's participation, Xi Jinping has inadvertently elevated Taiwan's profile in Africa. △