Ibishi: Different histories, but similar security challenges for Taiwan and Kosovo

Security expert from Pristina, Nuredin Ibishi, stated that despite the different histories of Taiwan and Kosovo, their security challenges are similar.

"Historically, they have no similarities at all, but the risk threats are the same for both states," Ibishi told Kosovo Online.

He explains that there are several key differences between Taiwan and Kosovo.

"Kosovo does not have diplomatic recognition from Taiwan, and the historical context is somewhat different from Taiwan’s situation. Taiwan is recognized by 17 countries, while we are recognized by 117 of the world's most powerful states," Ibishi said.

He reminds that Taiwan was under Japanese occupation for about 50 years and, after World War II, following the civil war between Mao Zedong and Chiang Kai-shek, it became part of China.

"In 1979, the US recognized China but not Taiwan. Then, in a 2021 referendum, 63% of citizens identified as Taiwanese, while a little over 23% identified as 'both Taiwanese and Chinese'..." Ibishi noted.

He adds that Taiwan has its own issues, and that Kosovo's Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, during a security forum in Taipei, sought to explore potential cooperation in arms and ammunition production.

"However, the government's announcement about opening a weapons and ammunition factory is something that is already in preparation, and it is known that the investor is from Turkey. But this is a factory for producing 9x19mm and 5.51mm caliber ammunition. The opening of an arms factory has been left for another time," Ibishi emphasized.