Why many in Taiwan dismiss China’s threat to blockade and invade their island

Available for over a year

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. The live-fire exercises disrupted up to 100,000 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. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: [email protected]