Taiwan’s incoming government faces tough task to win back public

Given Quemoy’s proximity to the mainland, Taiwan would probably struggle to reinforce it should Beijing launch a military operation or decide to blockade it.

There have been reports that US troops have been training with Taiwanese forces on outlying islands including Quemoy and Penghu, although Admiral John Aquilino, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, denied suggestions that US personnel were permanently stationed on Quemoy. As such, the situation around the outlying islands is precarious and could be a potential flashpoint for conflict.

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Two mainland Chinese fishermen drown after Taiwan coastguard pursuit

It remains to be seen whether the visit will have much effect on reducing cross-strait tensions, though the trip has been criticised by the island’s Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) government and others in Taiwan.

Ma, from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), was known for attempting to boost ties with the mainland during his time in office. As such, the Ma-Xi meeting is unlikely to significantly change the DPP’s stance towards Beijing.

The government also faces a number of domestic problems, ranging from crime to energy supply worries and an ailing economy. The latter two are well known, but several recent incidents of violent crime have sparked concerns over law and order issues.

These include the killing of two police officers last month by a man driving a stolen pickup truck, and Hong Kong activist Chiang Chia-wei being stabbed during a drunken incident in Taipei.

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Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou calls for both sides of Taiwan Strait to ‘avoid war’

Thus, with a number of incidents and scandals marring the build-up to his inauguration, Lai and his administration face a tough task to win the public’s trust