Economics
Two Weeks Into Presidency, Taiwan Leader Pushes Away From China
- Tsai’s approach to China ties becomes clear with several steps
- Beijing may tighten screws on island in ‘One-China’ pursuit
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen waves to the supporters at the celebration of the 14th presidential inauguration on May 20, in Taipei, Taiwan.
Photographer: Ashley Pon/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Two weeks into the job, Taiwan’s new president is bringing clarity to her policy toward China, and the result may be more turbulent times with leaders in Beijing.
Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, is making good on promises made during her May 20 inauguration speech to seek closer ties with countries other than China and wean the island of economic dependence on its neighbor. Other symbolic steps also suggest she is reversing her predecessor’s pro-Beijing push.