‘People here are very used to China’s tactics’: a word from Taipei

Taiwan is no stranger to threats and influence from China.

International media has called the arrival of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a game changer in cross-strait relations, but is this out of step with Taiwanese sentiment on the ground?

Taiwanese journalist William Yang told Crikey there is a disconnect between global news streams and local feelings, with the outside world preferring to overplay the risk of China.

“People here are concerned about Beijing, but not concerned there will be an actual war,” he said. “They are very used to China’s tactics.”

Before Pelosi’s arrival, Taiwanese people and media were paying the politician and the geopolitics she represents little attention. Talk of her visit picked up only once she was imminently incoming.  

“News outlets one after the other started to confirm she was arriving — only then was there a lot more attention given to her,” Yang said. “People started to track her schedule.”

Although there were small groups of pro-China protesters who greeted Pelosi with placards accusing her of bringing war to Taiwan and demanding she leave, Yang said Taiwanese people were largely excited. Big crowds gathered outside the airport and her hotel and Taiwan’s tallest building, Taipei 101, lit up with a warm welcome message.

That said, there are genuine concerns among the general population about how China might respond. Rumours swirled that Beijing would send fighter jets, and although that turned out to be false, PLA drills around the island as well as import bans have taken effect.  

But Yang said: “Overall, they think it is important she is visiting and showing her support and commitment to Taiwan.”