Despite being recognized as an independent country by 13 United Nations member states and Vatican City, the global community should be concerned about the state of China–Taiwan relations. Tensions between China and Taiwan continue to increase as China green-lighted a potential death penalty for Taiwanese independence activists. Chinese intimidation tactics have been rising since President Lai Ching-te took office on May 20. He gave an inaugural address in which he urged Beijing to stop its intimidatory political and military actions.

Given this context, the statement Lai gave was startling: “I also want to call on China to face up to the existence of the Republic of China and have exchanges and dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected, legitimate government. If this is not done, relations between Taiwan and China will only become more and more estranged.” This comes as Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun said that those trying to separate Taiwan from China would be “crushed and bring about their own downfall,” according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.