Taiwan's Envoy Reaches Eswatini Amid Chinese Obstruction; China Conducts Drills Near Taiwan

Liberty Times celebrates a diplomatic victory as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung successfully reached Eswatini, serving as President Lai Ching-te's special envoy. This mission, initially hampered by China's deliberate interference, highlights Taiwan's determination to maintain its international ties despite Beijing's escalating diplomatic pressure. Lin's journey, involving a转机 (transfer) in Europe to avoid direct confrontation, underscores the lengths Taiwan must go to assert its presence on the global stage. The report emphasizes the solidarity between Taiwan and Eswatini, a crucial ally in Africa, and frames Lin's arrival as a triumph over China's blockade.

Meanwhile, the article notes China's aggressive posturing with naval exercises near Taiwan during the US-Japan-Philippines 'Balikatan' drills. This juxtaposition of diplomatic success and military tension paints a picture of Taiwan navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. The presence of Japanese forces in the joint exercises is also highlighted, signaling strengthened regional security cooperation against perceived threats. The report frames these Chinese actions as a direct challenge and a show of force intended to intimidate Taiwan and its allies.

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Peace is always possible and should be a common belief.

Adding to the domestic concerns, the indictment of Chen Tsao-chien and Chen Yu-kang, wife and son of former Control Yuan President Chen Lu-an, for allegedly embezzling funds from the Cixiu High School they founded, is detailed. The prosecution's strong condemnation of their actions, likening the school to a 'private vault,' reflects a broader societal concern about corruption and the misuse of educational institutions for personal gain. This legal battle underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in Taiwan's public and private sectors.

Finally, the article touches upon KMT Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu's outreach to foreign envoys after her mainland visit, where she discussed cross-strait peace. Her message of peace being a shared belief and a matter of international interest is presented, though the underlying political dynamics of such interactions are implicitly understood within Taiwan's political discourse. The report also briefly mentions concerns raised by Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung regarding potential US concessions on Taiwan during President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping, reflecting ongoing anxieties about Taiwan's security in the face of US-China relations.

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We are worried that President Trump might make concessions on the Taiwan issue during his meeting with Xi Jinping.