In 5 Jan letter to Pope Francis, Taiwanese President Tsai said Taiwan aspires to create “new era” of peace with China, said “military action cannot resolve problems”. Tsai met with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Texas governor during stopover on way to Central America 8 Jan, defying request from China that U.S. not allow her to enter or have formal govt meetings. Beijing criticised attendance of Taiwanese delegation at U.S. President Trump’s inauguration 20 Jan; 23 Jan urged new U.S. administration to understand importance of One China policy. Taiwan scrambled jets and navy ships 11 Jan to “surveil and control” group of Chinese warships led by Liaoning aircraft carrier that sailed north through Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in SW. Japan late Dec changed name of its Taiwanese embassy from “The Interchange Association” to “Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association”; Beijing expressed “strong dissatisfaction”.

Tensions between China and Taiwan and U.S. increased after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump answered what he described as congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen 2 Dec, breaching decades-old diplomatic protocol. Beijing initially called incident “little trick played by Taiwan”, lodged representations with White House and Trump’s transition team. White House said it had no prior knowledge of call, reaffirmed its commitment to One China policy. Tsai 6 Dec said call did not signal policy change, Taiwan values regional stability. Beijing 6 Dec called on Washington not to allow Tsai’s planned transit in U.S. in Jan; U.S. said stopovers would continue “based on longstanding U.S. practice”. Trump 11 Dec suggested he might not feel bound by One China policy unless the two countries could make deal on other issues; Beijing called principle its “core interest”, said undermining it would eliminate possibility for cooperation. China 25 Dec lodged “stern representations” with Washington after U.S. passed defence bill including senior military exchanges with Taiwan. China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning 25 Dec passed 90 nautical miles south of Taiwan via Bashi Channel for first blue water drill in Western Pacific. São Tomé and Principe 20 Dec announced termination of diplomatic ties with Taiwan; Taipei described decision as “extremely regrettable”, said it could not meet country’s request for financial aid; Beijing resumed diplomatic relationship with São Tomé and Principe.

Taiwan expressed concern after Chinese state media 20 Jan broadcast footage of live fire military exercises and landing drills carried out by 31st Group Army, based opposite Taiwan; China’s defence ministry later confirmed exercises took place in 2015, said “no need to over-interpret them”. Followed victory of independence-leaning opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in presidential and parliamentary elections 16 Jan; after her victory Tsai said she would establish “consistent, predictable and sustainable” relations with China.

U.S. 16 Dec authorised $1.83bn weapons sale to Taiwan, first in four years, despite strong opposition from China. U.S. said package consists almost exclusively of defensive weapons. China called deal “serious violation of international laws ... as well as China’s territory and security interest”, announced sanctions against companies involved in sale.

During first ministerial-level official visit to China by Taiwanese delegation 23 Nov, led by chairman of Financial Supervisory Commission, officials reached agreement on banking issues.

Chinese FM Yang Jiechi 26 Sept met with U.S. Sec State Clinton in New York, urged U.S. to reconsider decision to upgrade Taiwan’s F-16 jet fighter fleet.

Taiwan’s legislature 17 Aug approved China trade pact, 7 weeks after both govts signed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), most significant economic agreement with China in 60 years; opponents in Taiwan believe pact will make it economically dependent on China, undermine sovereignty.

Taiwan 4 May opened tourism office in Beijing in sign of improved relations; China followed by opening office in Taipei 7 May. Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou 7 May maintained “premature” to meet with Chinese leaders.

Russian PM Putin, during 23 March meeting with Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping in Moscow, affirmed Russian support for Chinese policy on Taiwan. Taiwan air force reportedly subject to strong criticism 23 March from govt legislators for not intercepting Russian bomber that entered Taiwan airspace 28 Jan; air force command stated aircraft detected, but deemed harmless.

China-U.S. relations continued to strain over Jan U.S.-Taiwan deal. Beijing 1 Feb accused U.S. of “cold war thinking”. Taiwan military 5 Feb confirmed purchase of several helicopters from German manufacturer Eurocopter. Taiwan 25 Feb announced talks with China expected March aiming to increase direct cross-Taiwan strait flights between countries.