Taiwan rebuts China's New Year propaganda video as psychological warfare
Taiwan Condemns China's New Year's Video Featuring President Xi Jinping
On January 3, Taiwan's government strongly criticized a New Year's video released by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The video, featuring President Xi Jinping, reiterated China's claim over Taiwan, showcasing Chinese warships and fighter jets. It aimed to assert China's dominance and military readiness to "safeguard the reunification of the motherland." The video included a Chinese fighter jet flying near a US aircraft in the Taiwan Strait.
President Xi, in a televised address, emphasized the goal of unifying Taiwan with mainland China, describing people on both sides as "one family." Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung responded, labeling the video as part of China's "United Front" propaganda to intimidate Taiwan's 23 million citizens. Lin called it psychological warfare, aiming to create an illusion of inevitable unification.
Despite Beijing's threats, most Taiwanese oppose unification under Communist Party rule. Taiwan, governed independently since the 1949 Chinese Civil War, maintains that Beijing has no jurisdiction over its citizens. Taiwan reaffirms its commitment to democracy and freedom, rejecting any threats to its sovereignty.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan
Taiwan is an island located in East Asia, near China. It has its own government and operates like an independent country, but China claims it as part of its territory.
China's PLA
PLA stands for the People's Liberation Army, which is the armed forces of China. It includes the army, navy, and air force.
President Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the current President of China. He is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Unification
Unification in this context means bringing Taiwan and China together as one country. China wants Taiwan to be part of its territory, but many people in Taiwan want to remain separate.
Communist rule
Communist rule refers to the political system in China, where the Communist Party controls the government. In this system, the government has a lot of control over people's lives and the economy.
Psychological warfare
Psychological warfare involves using tactics to scare or influence people without physical fighting. In this case, it means trying to make Taiwanese people feel afraid or pressured by showing military strength.
Democracy and freedom
Democracy is a system where people have the power to choose their leaders and make decisions through voting. Freedom means having the right to express yourself and make choices about your life. Many people in Taiwan value these principles.
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