Taiwan has accused China of plotting a peaceful takeover of the island by meddling in presidential elections and legislative votes, a claim reported by Reuters. The Taiwanese government says senior Chinese officials convened in early December and coordinated state efforts aimed at shaping the outcome of the forthcoming elections. According to Taipei, participants in the meeting included personnel from the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Defense of the People’s Republic of China, and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
Taiwan’s authorities warn that Beijing is seeking to tilt voter sentiment toward candidates who maintain close ties with the mainland. Officials emphasize that influence operations would be aimed at creating a favorable political environment for continued dialogue under Beijing’s preferred terms, should any candidate appear more amenable to Beijing’s strategic interests.
In the same vein, there have been statements from the European Union expressing a commitment to the core principle of the One China policy while urging Beijing to refrain from using force against Taiwan. EU leadership, including the Commission president, underscored that Europe supports peaceful, status-quo-based relations and urged restraint in any actions that could escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The broader debate about the cost of a potential conflict over Taiwan has been a topic of recent public commentary. A former NATO Secretary General has highlighted what a rapid deterioration in cross-strait relations could entail, outlining possible economic and security repercussions for regional and international partners. These assessments come amid a wider international effort to preserve stability and to deter unilateral moves that could destabilize the region.
Analysts note that Taiwan’s security environment remains influenced by a mix of diplomatic signals, military postures, and ongoing political messaging from major powers. While the EU reiterates its commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolution, observers stress the importance of clear communication channels between Taipei and Beijing to avoid miscalculation. The conversations happening at the highest levels—whether in Taipei, Brussels, or within allied capitals—underscore how interdependent regional security has become in the 21st century, with the United States, its allies, and regional partners watching developments closely.