Why most Taiwanese dismiss China’s threats - Asia Specific podcast, BBC World Service

China has given its clearest sign so far at how it would blockade and forcefully take Taiwan, with large-scale military drills surrounding the island.

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The live-fire drills disrupted thousands of airline passengers as Chinese forces simulated blockading ports and stopping cargo ships carrying American weapons to help the Taiwanese defend themselves.

China claims the drills show its military’s increasing ability to control the Taiwan strait, and force the self-ruled island under Beijing’s control.

But why do so many Taiwanese still doubt China’s leader Xi Jinping will really invade?

Asia Specific host Mariko Oi is joined by William Yang, Senior North-east Asia analyst for think tank Crisis Group, and Asia’s Specific’s Bill Birtles, a former Beijing and Taipei correspondent.

00:00 Coming up
02:20 What's new in these military drills
03:56 Who is the message intended for?
04:33 Beijing's campaign against Taiwan's William Lai
07:35 China's military's view
07:55 Likely timetable for Chinese blockade
09:19 Is Taiwan on a war footing?
13:50 Are Taiwanese starting to leave?
15:28 How to Taiwanese view China's threats?
17:45 Will China invade within our lifetime?

Watch more episodes of Asia Specific here 👉🏽   • Asia Specific  

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