03:23Locals on the Kinmen Islands, the frontline of China-Taiwan tensions, believe the possibility of conflict between the two is very uncertain, as seen in footage on Monday.
“It’s difficult to say whether or not there’s going to be a war,” said blacksmith Wu Tseng-dong. “It depends on the wisdom in handling Cross-Strait politics. If you handle it well, then there may never be a war but if you handle it poorly, then there will be a high possibility of war,” he added.
The Kinmen islands, home to around 5,000 people, are 187 km from Taiwan. They are governed from Taipei but are located just 10 km from the Chinese city of Xiamen.
“I think the importance of Kinmen is that it’s on the frontline in terms of the Cross-Strait military crisis. But it’s also the communication platform between Taiwan and China," said Tung Senpo, from the county legislature. "Because Kinmen is near Mainland China, a lot of cross-strait policies would be discussed through Kinmen.”
Tensions between Taiwan and China are heightened following the recent visits of US lawmakers to Taipei. China views Taiwan as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle, while the island has never officially declared independence.
Taiwan: 'The frontline of Cross-Strait crisis’ - Locals on Kinmen islands react to rising tensions with China
Locals on the Kinmen Islands, the frontline of China-Taiwan tensions, believe the possibility of conflict between the two is very uncertain, as seen in footage on Monday.
“It’s difficult to say whether or not there’s going to be a war,” said blacksmith Wu Tseng-dong. “It depends on the wisdom in handling Cross-Strait politics. If you handle it well, then there may never be a war but if you handle it poorly, then there will be a high possibility of war,” he added.
The Kinmen islands, home to around 5,000 people, are 187 km from Taiwan. They are governed from Taipei but are located just 10 km from the Chinese city of Xiamen.
“I think the importance of Kinmen is that it’s on the frontline in terms of the Cross-Strait military crisis. But it’s also the communication platform between Taiwan and China," said Tung Senpo, from the county legislature. "Because Kinmen is near Mainland China, a lot of cross-strait policies would be discussed through Kinmen.”
Tensions between Taiwan and China are heightened following the recent visits of US lawmakers to Taipei. China views Taiwan as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle, while the island has never officially declared independence.
Locals on the Kinmen Islands, the frontline of China-Taiwan tensions, believe the possibility of conflict between the two is very uncertain, as seen in footage on Monday.
“It’s difficult to say whether or not there’s going to be a war,” said blacksmith Wu Tseng-dong. “It depends on the wisdom in handling Cross-Strait politics. If you handle it well, then there may never be a war but if you handle it poorly, then there will be a high possibility of war,” he added.
The Kinmen islands, home to around 5,000 people, are 187 km from Taiwan. They are governed from Taipei but are located just 10 km from the Chinese city of Xiamen.
“I think the importance of Kinmen is that it’s on the frontline in terms of the Cross-Strait military crisis. But it’s also the communication platform between Taiwan and China," said Tung Senpo, from the county legislature. "Because Kinmen is near Mainland China, a lot of cross-strait policies would be discussed through Kinmen.”
Tensions between Taiwan and China are heightened following the recent visits of US lawmakers to Taipei. China views Taiwan as part of its territory under the 'One China' principle, while the island has never officially declared independence.