China and Taiwan: a confrontation waiting to happen?
Why are Beijing and Taipei so at odds with each other?
LIFESTYLE History
On May 23, 2024, China launched a series of military drills around Taiwan after the island's new president demanded that Beijing curtail its intimidation tactics. He was referring to decades of China's ruling Communist Party insisting that Taiwan is part of its territory and the persistent vow to eventually “unify” Taiwan with the mainland, using force if necessary. But why all this saber-rattling and animosity between Beijing and Taipei?
For the answers, click through this gallery for an overview of the complicated relationship between Taiwan and China.