China's Xi Jinping Unlikely To Launch 'D-Day' On Taiwan Unless Provoked, Says Singapore PM

Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, expressed optimism about the possibility of de-escalating U.S.-China tensions, particularly over Taiwan, ahead of a much-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

What Happened: Lee, at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, downplayed the potential for imminent conflict over Taiwan, stating that China is not “trigger happy” and doesn’t plan to abruptly seize the self-governing island.

Lee said that while China wants Taiwan to be part of ‘One China,’ it is uncertain how to achieve this. He believes that unless provoked, the world isn't "going to wake up one day and find that they've decided to launch D-Day."

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"You need a meeting to head in the right direction but you don't expect a meeting to make everything sweetness and light or something." The Singaporean leader’s comments came in the run-up to an expected face-to-face meeting between Biden and Xi, their first in around a year.

Why It Matters: Lee’s comments come amid increased concern in Southeast Asian nations over the possibility of conflict due to deteriorating U.S.-China relations on several fronts, including Taiwan, human rights, and access to advanced technology.

Tensions in the South China Sea have also risen following recent clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels. The situation has been further complicated by U.S. involvement as a Philippine treaty ally.

Xi’s renewed push for peaceful reunification with Taiwan underlines a change in Beijing’s approach. He has been vocal in his opposition to any U.S. defense aid to Taiwan and has urged Washington to cease escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

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