Written by by Shi Jiangtao at scmp.com
While mainland China ramps up efforts to squeeze and isolate Taiwan ahead of a high-stakes presidential election this weekend, the self-ruled island has gained increased international prominence amid heightened cross-strait tensions and the US-China superpower rivalry.
Many countries in Asia, Europe and beyond have stepped up their rhetoric, voicing concerns on the worsening situation in the Taiwan Strait. Over recent months, some have followed Washington’s lead to circumvent Beijing’s opposition and pursue substantive economic and political ties with the island’s independence-leaning government.