Tensions over Taiwan: USA urges restraint in Taiwan conflict

The USA has appealed to both sides of the Taiwan Strait to exercise restraint. The occasion for this is the speculation about the possible military response of the People's Republic of China to the upcoming speech by Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te on Double Ten Day, a national holiday commemorating the founding of the Republic of China. A senior U.S. government official stated that Beijing might perceive Lai's speech on Thursday as a pretext for military actions. There is no justification for using a routine annual celebration in this manner, the official added, emphasizing that such measures could endanger peace and stability in the region. President Lai, who took office in May, will give his first speech on Double Ten Day and is expected to address national unity and the strengthening of Taiwan's international status. The holiday commemorates the founding of the Republic of China in 1912 after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Taiwan officially adopted this name in 1949 when the Kuomintang fled to the island following their defeat in the civil war. Tensions are exacerbated by the fact that Beijing considers Lai a "stubborn separatist" and seizes any opportunity to attack him, especially after a controversial remark by him. Many countries, including the USA, do not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent state, yet the USA is determined to defend the island against any forcible takeover and provide it with defense weapons. When asked about Beijing's potential military options, the U.S. official was evasive and instead emphasized China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific, including intensive military exercises in the South and East China Seas. These developments could also influence the US presidential elections. Both candidates were questioned regarding the Taiwan issue. While Kamala Harris emphasized the official US policy of the One-China policy, Donald Trump, on the other hand, did not hold back and might possibly charge Taiwan for protection by the USA. Both Harris and Trump are under pressure due to ongoing US arms sales to Taiwan, an issue China considers a "red line.