What happened?
On 10 October, the Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen delivered an address marking the National Day of Taiwan. While stressing on the Taiwanese sovereignty, she said: "I want to reiterate the words' peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue'. We will not accept the Beijing authorities' use of 'one country, two systems' to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo. We stand fast by this principle." On the next day, in response to the presidential address, China's Taiwan Affairs Office asserted that China will "not leave any space for Taiwan independence separatist activities."

What is the background?
First, China's growing pressure signals reunification. Lately, China has been extremely vocal about its intentions to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. Militarily, the largest ever incursions of military jets from the People's Liberation Army were observed in Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone on 2 October. The planes continued to breach Taiwanese territory for four days. Furthermore, reports are also surfacing regarding the construction of air bases near China that are close to the island. Politically, President Xi Jinping, and other dignitaries from the Communist Party of China, have made statements assuring the common public of reunification with Taiwan. In fact, while addressing a gathering of political elites in the Great Hall of the People, Xi called the Taiwanese attempt at secessionism the biggest obstacle to national rejuvenation. Chinese media, especially Global Times, have been publishing editorial articles warning Taiwan against separatism.

Second, the Taiwanese response. Taiwan has been opposing reunification with China for a long time. Especially after witnessing the 2019 crackdown in Hong Kong, Taiwan has made sure to project itself as an independent country. It has applied multiple times for separate representation in WHO and the recent application for membership in Trans-Pacific Partnership is reflective of Taiwan's identity, separate from China. More recently, the remarks made by the Taiwanese President and Defence Minister are clear from one perspective. Taiwan will not bow to Chinese pressure despite its asymmetrical military capabilities.

Third, the international involvement, especially the US. Taiwan is constantly attempting to balance its power against China. The biggest role in this endeavour is the US President Joe Biden has shown support for Taiwanese independence. The US even warned China of the disrupted "regional peace and stability" due to China's "provocative military activity". Taiwan is more than just a symbol of independence and democracy for the US. It is an economic haven that might slide under the captivating hands of China if reunified. Taiwan has become a major issue of contention between China and the US. Additionally, connections with many western allies are also crucial for Taiwan. From Japan referring to Taiwan as an independent country to the former Australian Prime Minister visiting Taiwan as a show of support, the international community has largely fallen in line with the US weight.

What does it mean?
Many analysts see the judgment day as close. As tensions increase at the Taiwan strait, it may not be far when China attempts to overtake the Democratic Progressive Party. However, such a scenario will be disastrous for the little progress that the US and China have made in terms of trade relations. Although the Chinese actions in Taiwan are fairly important to the US, are they worth fighting a war with the dragon is something that the US has to reconsider. The upcoming few weeks are extremely crucial for all the parties involved.