Taiwan-China ties have lasted 70 years. After the Chinese Civil War, the government of China’s Nationalists moved to Taiwan and set up a new government there. Since then, China has considered Taiwan its territory and sought to annex it forcefully. The government of Taiwan says that Taiwan is a sovereign state with diplomatic ties to 15 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and others.
Taiwan is a member of the World Trade Organisation, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Asian Development Bank, and Western nations recognise its sovereignty. These nations rely on Taiwan economically. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Firm is the world’s biggest contract chip producer being Asia’s most valuable listed company at $600 billion,
China’s and Taiwan’s economies are interdependent. Taiwan’s largest export partner is China, with $515 billion in exports from January 2017 to January 2022, more than twice the US. China buys more chips from Taiwan than oil, so its electronics and industrial sectors rely on Taiwan.
China-Western ties have deteriorated in recent years. The China-U.S. trade war took place throughout Trump’s administration. China’s global image suffered due to sanctions from both nations. Many mainland Chinese-based Taiwanese and international enterprises returned to Taiwan.
The U.S.-China trade war and COVID-19 pandemic indirectly benefited Taiwan. Western nations don’t want to give up Taiwan’s power over China. Despite Western backing, China is pressuring Taiwan to reunify. China is deploying fighter aircraft and vessels into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone for military drills. This has raised tensions between the nations and worries about a military conflict.
China has pressured nations not to recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state and has broken diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China has blocked Taiwan from various international organisations, including the World Health Organisation.
Taiwan has maintained independence and democracy despite these hurdles. Taiwanese citizens have backed the government’s bid for freedom. Taiwan’s economy attracts international investment. A China-Taiwan war might destabilise regional stability and global commerce; hence, the international community constantly monitors Taiwan. The U.S. and other Western nations have advocated for peace and Taiwan’s sovereignty.
China has been more hostile to Taiwan’s independence effort. China has threatened to use force if Taiwan declares independence. The scenario has raised regional tensions, and many analysts worry about a military war.
Taiwan is strengthening its military for confrontation. modernising its military equipment, and expanding its defence expenditures. Taiwan has been receiving more armaments and military exercises from the U.S. This enrages China, which sees U.S. assistance as meddling in its affairs.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy to fight China’s rising dominance is also linked to Taiwan. The U.S. has been establishing regional alliances to curb China’s rise. Taiwan receives military help from the U.S. to maintain its sovereignty and deter China.
China wants a reunion, while Taiwan wants independence. Western nations respect Taiwan’s sovereignty, yet China-Taiwan conflicts persist. Experts worry about a military conflict, so Taiwan is strengthening its military. The Indo-Pacific strategy and U.S. attempts to curb China’s rising influence are linked. Peace and Taiwan’s sovereignty are preferable for all parties.
