After infuriating China last week by executing a Chinese citizen, the Islamic State (IS) has rubbed salt on the wound by recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation in its latest propaganda video.

The IS video, which lists Taiwan among the members of the US-led global coalition of nations against the extremist militant group, was met with mixed feelings in Taiwan, where reactions ranged from irritation and ridicule to anxiety and downright contempt.  

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The Hong Kong Free Press noted that the terror group's acknowledgement is not the kind of recognition Taiwan wants.  The view is apparently shared by the Taiwanese government as reports indicate increased security measures on the island. 

With a narrow strip of sea and a history of hostility between them, China and Taiwan have managed to improve their relationship in recent years, mostly through trade. China has resumed direct flights to Taiwan, allowing droves of moneyed tourists from the mainland to visit the island. Taiwanese businesses, in turn, have invested billions in China, helping to create jobs and further expand an already vigorous Chinese economy.

But political dialogue between the two is still fraught with mistrust and tension. China stands firm on its policy of regarding Taiwan as a breakaway province. Taiwan, on the other hand, continues to assert itself as an independent nation.

The Taiwanese flag figures alongside the flag of the People's Republic of China in the IS propaganda video, leading observers to speculate that this could further rile an already irate Chinese government.

Tensions between China and the IS had earlier reached a boiling point when the extremist group announced that it executed a Chinese freelance consultant, Fan Jinghui, along with a Norwegian hostage.  The UN Security Council quickly condemned the killings, saying they were a "heinous and cowardly" demonstration of brutality. 

Fan's murder sparked widespread outrage in China and prompted Beijing to vow justice.

"The Chinese government strongly condemns this savage act devoid of humanity," said a statement issued by China's Foreign Ministry.

Observers note that while China has kept to the sidelines in the fight against the IS, it may soon be willing to strengthen its role in international cooperation against terrorism in light of more recent events.  Fan is not the only Chinese national to have died in the hands of terrorists in the past weeks. Three more Chinese citizens were killed when Islamist militants attacked a luxury hotel in Mali last Friday. 

TagsTaiwan, China-Taiwan relations