In a report published on Thursday, the International Crisis Group (ICG) warns of further escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. The Brussels-based NGO authors speak of a „widening schism across the Taiwan Strait“ and call on both Beijing and Taipei to exercise restraint. According to the report, President Lai Ching-te has chosen a more assertive approach than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen. Lai explicitly emphasized Taiwan’s de facto sovereignty and autonomy from China, while Tsai preferred a more cautious and ambivalent rhetoric.