The long-standing strained relationship between China and Taiwan has recently intensified due to multiple air incursions by the Chinese military. Despite the international legal recognition of a country’s airspace, its air defense zone is a self-declared region monitored for defense objectives, leading to various interpretations.
Background: The China-Taiwan Conflict
China and Taiwan have been at odds since they separated during the civil war in 1949. While China views Taiwan as part of its territory and threatens forceful control if necessary, Taiwan’s leaders maintain it’s a sovereign state. The hostile intentions and angry rhetoric that characterized relations between them for decades began to improve in the 1980s. China proposed a “one country, two systems” formula, offering Taiwan significant autonomy if it accepted Chinese reunification. The proposal was rejected in Taiwan, but some rules on visits to and investment in China were relaxed. Limited unofficial talks took place, maintaining no official government contact due to Beijing’s refusal to recognize Taiwan’s Republic of China (ROC) government.
China’s Concerns
China’s one-China Policy demands that any country wishing to maintain diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) must sever official ties with the ROC. The existence of Taiwan’s diplomatic relations and participation in intergovernmental organizations challenges this policy. Taiwan presently has diplomatic relationships with 15 countries and substantial ties with several others such as Australia, Canada, EU nations, Japan, and New Zealand. Besides, Taiwan has full membership in 38 intergovernmental organizations and subsidiary bodies, including the World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Asian Development Bank, and Central American Bank for Economic Integration.
Recent Measures Counteracting China
The US recently announced a new trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific with Australia and the UK (AUKUS). This joint venture is widely viewed as an effort to counter China’s influence. Additionally, initiatives like the Malabar Exercise, involving the US, Japan, India, and Australia, aim to address the strategic imbalance generated by a powerful China.
Strategic Support for Taiwan from the US
Taiwan is actively seeking to bolster its defenses by purchasing American weaponry, including upgraded F-16 fighter jets, armed drones, rocket systems, and Harpoon missiles. Additionally, a US aircraft carrier group led by the Theodore Roosevelt warship recently entered the South China Sea to ensure maritime freedom and promote security partnerships.
India’s Position on the Issue
Since 1949, India has adhered to the “One China” policy that recognizes Taiwan and Tibet as part of China. However, India uses this policy as a diplomatic tool, implying that if it respects the “One China” policy, China should also respect a “One India” policy. Despite halting the mention of its adherence to this policy in official documents since 2010, India’s engagement with Taiwan remains restricted due to its relationship ties with China.
Way Forward: Redrawing Boundaries and Reinforcing Relations
Considering the escalating tension, India and other world powers are urged to draw a redline against any forceful Chinese attempt to take control of Taiwan. The core of this issue goes beyond the destruction of a successful democracy or international ethics; it concerns the potential consequences of such an invasion for India and Asia as a region. Strengthening ties with Taiwan, even without recognizing its independence, appears crucial. Others propose maintaining growing economic relations and utilizing widespread support for Taiwan in light of India’s issues with China.
