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China’s Xi Hosts Former Taiwan President In Beijing, In Rare Meeting Echoing Bygone Era Of Warmer Ties

Published

1 month ago

2024-04-10

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with a former Taiwanese president who advocates stronger ties with China. This was a very uncommon encounter just weeks before the democratic island swears in a new leader whom Beijing openly despises.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan’s president from 2008 to 2016, met with Xi on Wednesday afternoon while on an 11-day tour of China.

China’s Xi Hosts Former Taiwan President In Beijing, In Rare Meeting Echoing Bygone Era Of Warmer Ties

The carefully choreographed moment is rich in political symbolism: it marks the first time China’s top leader in Beijing has hosted a former Taiwanese president since Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) retreated to Taipei in 1949.

This is Xi’s first meeting with former KMT leader Ma since their historic summit in Singapore in 2015.

However, their reunion illustrates the expanding political split across the Taiwan Strait and how Xi’s increasingly hostile posture toward Taipei has driven more Taiwanese away from China.

In his opening remarks, Xi thanked Ma for opposing “Taiwan independence,” encouraging cross-strait relations, and recognizing that both sides of the strait belong to “one China.”

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese. “There is no grudge that cannot be settled, no issue that cannot be debated, and no force that can separate us,” Xi told his visitor. “External interference cannot stop the historic trend of the reunion of the family and the country.”

Ma responded by stating that while the two sides of the strait grew under different regimes, the people on both sides were Chinese.

“If a war breaks out between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, it will be an unbearable burden for the Chinese nation,” he added. “I sincerely hope that both sides respect the values and way of life treasured by the people and maintain peace across the strait.”

However, as Xi increases military, economic, and diplomatic pressure on its democratic island neighbor, the appeal of a shared Chinese identity has declined significantly in Taiwan.

That tendency was highlighted in January when Taiwanese voters ignored China’s warnings and gave the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) an unprecedented third term by electing Lai Ching-te, who has long faced Beijing’s anger for defending Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Since then, Beijing has snatched another of Taipei’s dwindling diplomatic allies, increased patrols around Taiwan’s frontline islands after two Chinese fishermen perished in neighboring waters, and continues to fly fighter jets near the self-ruled island.

Ma’s encounter with Xi comes during a busy week of diplomatic action in Washington. President Joe Biden will host the first-ever leaders’ summit involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. Joint fears about China’s growing assertiveness under Xi, notably toward Taiwan, are a primary motivation for the summit.

A senior source in Taiwan’s administration informed CNN. Beijing rescheduled the meeting from Monday to coincide with Biden’s summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday.

According to Amanda Hsiao, senior China analyst at the International Crisis Group, China’s pressure methods are meant to drive Taiwan’s next Lai administration into a more accommodating political attitude toward China.

“Ma’s visit continues this effort by underscoring Beijing’s position that cross-strait dialogue is only possible with those in Taiwan who accept the idea that the two sides of the strait belong to ‘one China,'” she said.

Beijing has severed high-level official contacts with Taipei since President Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP took office in 2016. A wave of outrage over Ma’s contentious trade agreement with Beijing served as the impetus for this action, which took advantage of the growing number of Taiwanese voters determined to preserve the island’s unique identity.

Unlike the KMT, the DPP rejects Beijing’s prerequisite for official talks, an agreement in which both sides accept “one China,” albeit with different views.

Official communication is unlikely to restart for Lai, who has pledged to uphold Tsai’s cross-strait policies. Beijing has consistently rejected Lai’s offer of negotiations, describing him as a dangerous separatist and “troublemaker.”

However, by focusing on Ma, who has been out of office for years and has little power to shape Taiwan’s political reality, Beijing may be revealing “its inability to find or cultivate another Taiwanese political figure of comparable stature who is willing to play dove toward Beijing today,” said Wen-Ti Sung, a Taiwan-based fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.

Ma is becoming a frequent flyer to the Chinese mainland.

China’s Xi Hosts Former Taiwan President In Beijing, In Rare Meeting Echoing Bygone Era Of Warmer Ties

The 73-year-old became Taiwan’s first former president to visit the mainland in late March last year, embarking on a 12-day journey across the Taiwan Strait. However, he was unable to gain a meeting with any member of Beijing’s Politburo Standing Committee, the country’s most powerful body.

This year’s visit, like the previous one, coincided with the Qingming Festival when people pay tribute to deceased family members and worship their ancestors; it also occurred just weeks before Lai’s inauguration as Taiwan’s president on May 20.

He said, “A meeting at this juncture enables Beijing to highlight the shared cultural roots between Taiwan and China and to exert pressure on Taiwan’s next administration.”

“Beijing is using the meeting between Xi and Ma to highlight the credibility and longevity of its carrots – that Beijing is good to its allies, whether incumbent or retired. It sends a message to political leaders around the world that embracing Beijing is a wise long-term investment.”

China’s welcoming of Ma’s visit signals Taiwan and others that peaceful unification by winning hearts and minds remains Beijing’s favored choice, at least for the time being, despite simmering cross-strait tensions, Sung noted.

Carefully edited footage of the talks, which is likely to reach millions of households in China via prime-time television news, sends a message to the Chinese public that unification with Taiwan is still feasible despite the DPP’s historic election triumph.

“For Beijing, Ma’s visit is also a useful way of assuring its domestic audience – ‘We have not lost the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people, there remains cultural and historical connections that bind us, and the DPP does not represent mainstream Taiwanese views,'” Hsiao, the analyst, said.

Ma’s agenda, including his meeting with Xi, has been widely observed in Taiwan.

“The ruling party DPP will likely play down the significance of Ma’s China visits, preferring to describe it as the private act of tourism by a retiree,” Sung, a member of the Atlantic Council, said.

China’s Xi Hosts Former Taiwan President In Beijing, In Rare Meeting Echoing Bygone Era Of Warmer Ties

“Taiwan’s opposition KMT will be torn – it wishes to celebrate Ma’s achievements with Beijing, but is also hesitant to flaunt it in the face of the Taiwanese electorate, which remains wary about closer cross-strait ties.”

Ma remains a senior member of the KMT, which won the most seats in Taiwan’s parliamentary elections in January but failed to win the presidency for the third time.

The KMT, Taiwan’s largest opposition party, is eager to demonstrate that it is capable of handling relations with both China and the United States, but James Chen, an assistant professor of diplomacy and international relations at Tamkang University, says Ma’s meeting may do more harm than good.

“The DPP and its supporters have questioned Ma’s loyalty at home and labeled the KMT as pro-China.” “Washington, particularly Capitol Hill, may not appreciate Ma’s trip to China due to bipartisan anti-China sentiment,” he stated.

Few experts expect the conference will significantly alter the status quo in cross-strait ties.

“The value of this meeting is primarily in its symbolism – an attempt to shape the cross-strait narrative to both parties’ favor while fundamental political differences remain,” said Hsiao of the International Crisis Group.

However, regardless of the summit’s outcome, Ma believes it will cement his legacy on cross-strait policy.

“He likely wishes to be remembered as the sole Taiwanese leader who can break the ice with Beijing,” he said.

SOURCE – (CNN)

News

Sun Shoots Out Biggest Solar Flare In Almost 2 Decades, But Earth Should Be Out Of The Way This Time

Published

23 hours ago

2024-05-15

Kiara Grace

AP News - VOR News Image

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The sun released its largest flare in nearly two decades Tuesday, only days after strong solar storms battered Earth and caused stunning northern lights in unexpected places.

“Not finished yet!” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated in its update.

Earth – VOR News Image

Sun Shoots Out Biggest Solar Flare In Almost 2 Decades, But Earth Should Be Out Of The Way This Time

According to NOAA, it is the largest flare of this 11-year solar cycle, which is nearing its peak. The good news is that Earth should be safe this time since the flare erupted on a portion of the sun that rotates away from Earth.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory caught the dazzling flash of the X-ray flare. It was the strongest flare since 2005, with an X8.7 rating.

WGN – VOR News Image

Sun Shoots Out Biggest Solar Flare In Almost 2 Decades, But Earth Should Be Out Of The Way This Time

Bryan Brasher of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado, believes it may have been much stronger after scientists gathered data from other sources.

It comes after nearly a week of coronal plasma flares and mass ejections that threatened to disrupt power and communications on Earth and in space. Brasher stated that an ejection connected with Tuesday’s flare appeared to be directed away from our planet, and further investigation is underway.

Economic Times – VOR news Image

Sun Shoots Out Biggest Solar Flare In Almost 2 Decades, But Earth Should Be Out Of The Way This Time

According to NASA, the weekend geomagnetic storm forced one of its environmental satellites to rotate unexpectedly due to reduced altitude from space weather and enter a precautionary slumber known as safe mode. The seven astronauts on the International Space Station were urged to stay in places with strong radiation shielding. The crew was never in danger, according to NASA.

SOURCE – (AP)

News

Over 6,000 Told to Evacuate as Fort McMurray Fire Rages

Published

2 days ago

2024-05-15

Geoff Thomas

Over 6,000 Told to Evacuate as Fort McMurray Fire Rages: Image Calgary Herald

As a wildfire rages uncontrollably south of Fort McMurray, Alberta, over 6000 inhabitants have been told to evacuate their homes. The wildfire, which was discovered on Thursday around 25 kilometers southwest of the city, has expanded into an 11,000-hectare storm.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, it was approximately 7.5 kilometers from Fort McMurray’s dump and 6.5 kilometers from the intersection of Highways 63 and 881 according to Fort McMurray Today.

According to Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Josee St-Onge, the fire has grown in size and spread to the northeast since the last estimate.

She stated that the wind is driving it towards Fort McMurray. According to St-Onge, the fire is approximately 13.5 kilometers from the Fort McMurray landfill, but “smoke is impacting visibility” and making it difficult to identify actual distances.

“We’re seeing extreme fire behaviour,” she stated. “Smoke columns are developing.” Firefighters have been removed from the fire lines for their own safety, according to St-Onge, but the aerial onslaught continues.

“We understand that this is a very stressful time for the community.” We’re doing everything we can,” she explained.

People in the Abasand, Beacon Hill, Grayling Terrace, and Prairie Creek communities have been asked to leave. Abasand and Beacon Hill lost the majority of the 2,579 properties burned by the Horse River wildfire of 2016.

Rush to evacuate Fort McMurray

People in Fort McMurray have been urged to prepare for an evacuation since Friday afternoon, when the wildfire, known as MWF-017, reached 200 hectares. A same warning applies to Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates, Saprae Creek, and the Fort McMurray First Nation.

“If you live in an area not subject to these evacuation orders, please allow these communities to evacuate first.” “It’s critical that we approach this in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner,” said Jody Butz, the RMWB’s regional fire chief and emergency director, at a press conference.

“It’s critical for me to understand that this fire activity is completely different from the 2016 Horse River wildfire. We have a plethora of resources and are well positioned to handle this crisis.”

Despite Butz’s warnings, many individuals from other communities clogged Highway 63 as they rushed to evacuate Fort McMurray. The Wood Buffalo RCMP stopped the route between route 881 and Highway 69, limiting transportation to persons in evacuation zones.

It will take awhile for emergency personnel to determine the real number of people that evacuated Fort McMurray.

High Winds Fueling the Fire

Butz stated at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that he is sure that no additional evacuation orders would be issued for the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region. He also stated that there are currently no signs that the wildfire would cross the Athabasca River.

Winds are moving the wildfire northeast toward Fort McMurray. Current forecasts indicate that winds will begin to carry the blaze west and northwest around 8 p.m. However, Butz also stated that the weather has shifted from beneficial to combative for firefighters fighting the wildfire.

“The previous days’ forecast was highly good. The favorable winds carried the fire and smoke away from the neighborhood. There were also projections for precipitation. That has changed, and they are factors over which we have no influence,” Butz explained.

Butz expressed “a high, high level of confidence” that firefighters will succeed in keeping the wildfire away of Fort McMurray. Butz mentioned benefits that firemen now have that did not exist in 2016, during the press conference, earlier interviews, and a council meeting.

There are less fuel sources for the fire because the 2016 Horse River wildfire burnt through dead and dry vegetation that had accumulated over time. The fire is now burning through dead grass and burned trees from 2016.

In the past eight years, wildfire combat strategies and methods have also improved. In comparison to 2016, there are more fire guards closer to Fort McMurray and more workers fighting the blaze.

Many emergency management leaders are veterans of the 2016 wildfire. People also have more experience dealing with evacuations.

“This fire is much different than 2016,” Butz added, expressing hope that reentry will be “quite quick.” “We are far more prepared and we have definitely reduced the impact of welfare on our communities.”

The Fort McMurray municipality advises people to:

Follow rmwb.ca/alerts for evacuation information
Be aware and stay informed by following official and trusted channels such as alberta.ca/wildfire-status
Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App
Check road updates at 511.alberta.ca
Follow local media sources
Arrange with neighbours to advise one another of an emergency notification
Prepare an emergency kit for your household
Make an emergency plan for your household
Evacuees should register online. Anyone needing accommodation or support should report to the Parkland One registration centre in Lac La Biche.

Wildfires in Fort Nelson BC Expands to 17 Square Miles Forcing Evacuations

Wildfires in Fort Nelson BC Expands to 17 Square Miles Forcing Evacuations

News

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Published

2 days ago

2024-05-14

Kiara Grace

AP News - VOR News Image

Indianapolis — Jimmie Johnson will attempt his version of “The Double” by becoming the first driver to join the Indianapolis 500 broadcast crew hours before competing in NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.

Jimmie, who will race in the Indy 500 in 2022, worked in the NBC Sports broadcast booth in 2021, when he only competed on the road and street circuits on the IndyCar season. He added ovals to his second and final season of American open-wheel racing.

E! – VOR News Image

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Jimmie will join NBC’s broadcast team for the May 26 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the network said on Tuesday. This will be Jimmie’s first regular analyst opportunity with the network this year.

“To have the opportunity to experience ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ once again is such an honor,” Jimmie stated. “Being a member of the NBC broadcast team in 2021 just increased my desire to make my childhood dream of competing in the Indianapolis 500 a reality. Competing in this event as a driver was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so being able to relive the pageantry is quite special.”

Jimmie will fly to Charlotte, North Carolina, following the Indy 500 to compete in NASCAR’s longest race. The Hall of Famer won the Coca-Cola 600 four times during his full-time NASCAR career. Johnson now races a limited schedule as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club.

MotorSport Wire – VOR News Image

Jimmie Johnson To Attempt His Own Version Of Indy 500 & NASCAR Doubleheader

Johnson will also be an analyst for NBC later this season at NASCAR events in Daytona and Talladega, as well as races in which he is scheduled to compete.

“Any time you can add one of the greatest drivers of all time and an icon of the sport, you jump at the opportunity,” said Sam Flood, NBC Sports’ motorsports lead producer. “We are thrilled to be working with Jimmie and adding his unique perspective on every race he covers, as well as having him become the first person ever to do the ‘Double’ — history awaits.”