China Launches Attacks on Taiwan Administration Under Tsai Ing-wen

Pressure to Introduce Chinese Vaccines... High Price to Pay if Using US Vaccines
WHA Attendance Failure Reflects 'One China' Principle and Taiwan Ruling Party's Incompetence

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese media harshly criticized the Taiwanese authorities, accusing the ruling party led by Tsai Ing-wen of politicizing the infectious disease issue, which resulted in a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases. They also condemned the ruling party's diplomatic incompetence, noting that Taiwan has not been invited to the World Health Assembly (WHA) annual meetings for five consecutive years.

On the 25th, Chinese state media such as Xinhua News Agency and Global Times reported that as of the 24th, Taiwan's daily COVID-19 cases were counted at 590. They added that six people died, bringing the total COVID-19 death toll in Taiwan to 29. Taiwan, once considered a model country for COVID-19 prevention, has seen daily confirmed cases surge continuously: 29 on the 14th, 333 on the 17th, 460 on the 23rd, and 590 on the 24th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chinese media also pointed out the risk of collapse in Taiwan's medical system due to a shortage of medical facilities. They claimed that difficulties could worsen as the Taiwanese authorities have failed to secure COVID-19 vaccines. Despite the urgent situation, Taiwan is reportedly banning the import of Chinese-made vaccines.

The Global Times reported that Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical in China expressed willingness to provide the German BioNTech vaccine (Pfizer vaccine), but the Taiwanese authorities have not responded.

Wang Jianmin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Taiwan needs 50 million doses of vaccines," adding, "The ruling party in Taiwan has faced a desperate situation by only relying on vaccines from the U.S. and Europe."

Wu Jiaying, chairman of the Xiamen Taiwan Entrepreneurs Association in Fujian Province, said, "The biggest obstacle to Taiwan's vaccine supply is the ruling party," and added, "Since the Taiwanese authorities are unlikely to accept Chinese-made vaccines, I plan to meet with former Kuomintang Chairman Hong Shuzhu soon to discuss this."

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, explained at a regular briefing the day before, "China is willing to supply vaccines for Taiwanese compatriots," and "If necessary, Chinese epidemic prevention experts can be dispatched to Taiwan." He further emphasized that the safety of Taiwanese compatriots should be prioritized and urged the ruling party in Taiwan to immediately stop slandering mainland China.

Chinese media mentioned not only Taiwan's COVID-19 case situation and vaccine shortage but also Tsai Ing-wen's lack of diplomatic capability. The Global Times reported that Taiwan was once again not invited to the WHA annual meeting and stated that the Taiwanese authorities, who are using the infectious disease for political purposes, will not achieve their goals.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a briefing held the day before, "The ruling party in Taiwan aims to pursue separatism under the pretext of infectious diseases at the WHA annual meeting," and added, "More than 150 WHO member countries support the 'One China' principle."

Zhang Yazhong, a pro-China political scientist and Kuomintang member in Taiwan, claimed, "South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently mentioned Taiwan during their meeting with President Biden," and argued, "Taiwan's attendance at the WHA annual meeting aligns with the U.S. strategy in the Asia-Pacific region."

The Global Times added that Taiwan's vaccination rate is so low it is less than 1%, and while the U.S. can symbolically provide vaccines to Taiwan, the Taiwanese authorities will have to pay a very high price in return.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.