When it comes to a war with Taiwan, many Chinese urge caution
Even some ardent nationalists
IT TAKES LITTLE to spark fury among nationalist netizens in China, especially when the topic is Taiwan. Any action that could be viewed as a challenge to China’s claim to the island arouses a chorus of calls for war. Their voices alarm Western officials, who fret that Chinese policymakers may make concessions to their public’s swelling nationalism and the bellicosity it has spawned. Last year China’s leader, Xi Jinping, hinted that the West may be right to worry. He warned President Joe Biden that, concerning Taiwan, the views of Chinese citizens “cannot be defied”.
Explore more
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Conflicting thoughts”
From the June 24th 2023 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from China
China approves the world’s most expensive infrastructure project
It has China’s neighbours on edge
Xi Jinping has much to worry about in 2025
A struggling economy, rising social tensions and Donald Trump will test China’s leader
How China turns members of its diaspora into spies
America is on the hunt for these non-traditional agents. But its efforts risk backfiring
How to get a free meal in China
As the economy slows, more restaurants are offering food to those in need
China’s economy is in for another rough year
Bold action is needed to turn things around
Chinese hackers are deep inside America’s telecoms networks
Rooting them out is proving a challenge
