The speaker of the United States (US) House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi’s politically provocative visit to Taiwan and Beijing’s equally provocative military exercises in the waters surrounding Taiwan has further vitiated the Sino–US relations bringing the two big powers closer to war. The US recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan. The US Department of State is insisting that there is no change in its “one China Policy,” but Pelosi’s visit has once again highlighted the contradictions of Washington’s arrangement with China over Taiwan.
History & Current Status of Taiwan:
1)Taiwan known as Republic of China(RoC), an island separated from China by Taiwan strait.
2) Separated in 1949, amid civil war China considers Taiwan a part of its territory.
3) The ruling Kuo-Mintang (Nationalist) government of China fled to Taiwan after being defeated by the communist forces in the Chinese civil war of 1945-1949.
4) Following the split of China and Taiwan in the civil war, the Republic of China (RoC) government was relocated to Taiwan. On the other hand, The Communist Party of China (CPC) established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the mainland. Since then, the PRC observes Taiwan as a traitor province and awaits reintegration with Taiwan
5) Beijing says One China policy and Taiwan is inseparable part of China.
6) Beijing says Taiwan is bound by 1992 consensus which was reached between Chinese Communist Party and Kuo-Mingtang Party that then ruled Taiwan.
7) For china two sides of Strait belong to one china but democratic progressive party in Taiwan do not agree to this.
8) Taiwan strait – busiest shipping route
9) Island location – connecting Japan and South china sea, has high geopolitical significance.
US relationship with Taiwan: It is governed by One China policy. It’s balance between supporting Taiwan and preventing war with China. It is based on Taiwan relation Act and declassified SIX ASSURANCE givenby former president Ronald Regan to Taiwan in 1982:
1. Taiwan is a part of China.
2. USA will sell arms to Taiwan.
3. Rejected use of force to settle dispute.
4. Policy of strategic ambiguity.
US’s recent move:
1)President Joe Biden’s statement – US will come to Taiwan’s defence if china attacks.
2) Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of US house of representative) visited Taiwan is seen as provocation by USA to China and attack on its sovereignty.
3) Recently, US congress enacted Taiwan Policy act 2022 – designated Taiwan as Major Non-NATO ally.
4) Strategic and defence support to Taiwan through F16 aircraft, Harpoon missile, etc.
China’s stand:
1) President Xi of China – One country two system is unpopular in Taiwan. Integrate Taiwan fully in china through one nation one system, its Chinese dream project by 2049.
2) Russia’s invasion embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan.
India-Taiwan association:
1)India officially supports One China policy but representatives of Taiwan have their base in India.
2)PM Manmohan Singh dropped its mentioning during Chinese premier visit in 2010 and also PM Modi invited Taiwan ambassador for swearing ceremony. Thus, India has been moving away from the policy of appeasing China.
Implications on India:
1)Taiwan is manufacturing hub and India imports semiconductor and electronic equipment.
2) India’s Act East policy and Taiwan’s south Bound Policy will further strengthen economic cooperation between countries.
3) India supports democracy in Taiwan and support peaceful resolution of issue.
