News Analysis In the past, countries allowed Beijing to dictate their relationship with Taiwan, under threat of economic sanctions. Gradually, free democracies are increasing their engagement with the island nation, in spite of the Chinese regime’s bullying. Over the past few years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has become more and more belligerent, while attempting to dictate the foreign policy of other countries. An increasing number of nations, however, have been defying China’s demands, and voting their conscience, in spite of threats or reprisals from Beijing. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with the Dalai Lama in 2008, which angered the Chinese regime. Beijing hurled threats when democracy activist Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. And the threats are not just rhetoric. China engaged in “hostage diplomacy” when it held two Canadians in isolation for 1,000 days, until Canada released Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou. Increasing relations …