Global Times warns Lai of Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Chinese official media outlet released a report on Tuesday (Jan. 23), asserting that Taiwan's diplomatic allies were progressively moving toward zero.

The report follows Nauru's announcement on Jan. 15 to sever diplomatic ties with the Republic of China and Taiwan, reducing its diplomatic allies to 12, which marks the tenth nation to break ties during President Tsai Ing-wen's eight-year term.

The Global Times report emphasized the more subdued stance of Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim on cross-strait policies, urging Lai's team to understand fully the reality and trend of the Taiwan Strait and to abandon completely any path toward Taiwan independence.

Lai will take office in four months, and the Global Times analyzed that he was elected a "double minority," meaning 60 percent of the Taiwanese population doesn't recognize the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Following Taiwan's elections, the U.S. clarified its stance by stating they do not support Taiwan's independence. The implication is to discourage Lai from becoming another "troublemaker" like former President Chen Shui-bian, who could disrupt the U.S.'s strategic rhythm.