Taiwan on June 19 accused China of ‘forcing’ it into submission but asserted that it wouldn’t bow to the Beijing’s pressure. The statement was made by Taiwanese President Lai-Ching-te at a presser marking his first month in office. Lai has faced sustained personal attacks from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory. Lai’s warning came a day after a Chinese nuclear submarine allegedly surfaced in the shallow waters of the Taiwan Strait on June 18. The same day the United States announced the approval of two arms sales to Taiwan including 291 Altius-600M systems, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, with warheads and 720 Switchblade drones known as “extended-range loitering munitions”. Since assuming office last month, Beijing has branded the new Taiwanese President as a “separatist” and his attempts to cozy up to the US are only likely infuriate Beijing further.Watch for more details.
