Does China’s softer tone extend to Taiwan?
The mainland’s military movements suggest not
The howls of China’s “wolf warrior” diplomats seem less intense of late, allowing the tones of more measured officials to resonate. But the change in timbre of Chinese diplomacy does not extend to Taiwan, the self-governing island which America supports and China claims. This month China’s Eastern Theatre Command, which is responsible for Taiwan, released a music video called “My war eagle flies around the precious island”. It depicts Chinese jets and warships surrounding Taiwan, while a singer softly calls for a lost love to return home.
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This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Tense as ever”
From the January 28th 2023 edition
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