The relationship between Taiwan and China continues to worsen as the government of Mainland China remains resolute in its pursuit of unification. Taiwan’s significance to China is multifaceted and deeply rooted in history, politics and strategic calculations that continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of East Asia and beyond. Understanding China’s determination to assert control over the island requires an exploration of these dimensions.
Taiwan’s historical ties to China date back to 1683 when the island was annexed by the Qing dynasty. After being ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, Taiwan was returned to China in 1945. However, the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) complicated the establishement of sovereignty as the losing faction, the Kuomintang, retreated to Taiwan where it established a separated government, the Republic of China (ROC), with the intention of reclaiming its lost territories on the mainland. Since then, both the Republic of China (ROC) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) governed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have claimed sovereignty over the island. Beyond these conflicting sovereignty claims, Beijing views the absorption of Taiwan as essential to completing its “national unification” process. Taiwan is seen not just as a pieve of territory but as a “great national cause” arguing that “reunification is a historical necessity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”. To the CCP, reunifying Taiwan with the mainland is a matter of correcting the historical injustices of the “century of humiliation” and fulfilling a national mission. The “One China” narrative, asserting that there is only one Chinese government and that Taiwan is a part of it, is a cornerstone of the CPP’s legitimacy. This view aligns closely with Xi Jinping’s belief that the West is in decline and China rising as the next global superpower. A “unified” China would further this claim and highlight the country's strength.
Taiwan’s geographic location makes it strategically critical for both China and the United States. Positioned in the western Pacific Ocean, from Japan and down to the Philippines. Control over the island would provide China with a substantial military advantage, enabling it to project power more effectively in the region and beyond, and deter potential naval conflicts. On the other hand, Taiwan’s position also acts as a significant obstacle to China’s naval ambitions. Furthermore, the island’s proximity to key shipping lanes and the control of the Taiwan Strait - a crucial waterway for international trade - makes it a strategic chokepoint. Controlling Taiwan would not only secure these vital routes but also limit the ability of other regional powers, particularly the United States, to intervene in the South China Sea and other areas of critical interest.
Economically, Taiwan is a significant player, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Companies such as the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) play a crucial role in the global supply chain. These semiconductors are essential components for modern technologies, from consumer electronics to military equipment. For China, gaining control over Taiwan would grant access to this critical industry, significantly enhancing China’s technological edge. For China, which has been striving to become a global leader in technology, gaining control over Taiwan would mean access to this critical industry.
Amidst, China’s current economic challenges, the incorporation of Taiwan’s robust economy could be seen as a means to alleviate domestic economic pressures and divert national attention from a struggling economy to the pursuit of a “great national cause”.
Capture of a post declaring "Taiwan must be liberated! Or you'll starve to death!!"
Taiwan’s existance as a democratic and prosperous society starkly contrasts with the authoritarian rule of the CCP. Taiwan's democratic system, vibrant civil society, and economic freedom challenge the CCP's narrative that Chinese culture and values are incompatible with democracy. Beijing cannot easily ignore this ideological challenge, especially as fear and economic discontentment grows in the country. The CCP fears that Taiwan's model could inspire similar democratic aspirations on the mainland.
Taking control of the island would be a major political victory for Xi Jinping, further cementing his authority within the CCP and stoking nationalist sentiments, reinforcing the perception that the CCP alone can restore China’s former glory and justifying the suffering of Chinese people to achieve this goal.
The Taiwan issue extends beyond a bilateral concern between China and Taiwan; it has significant international implications. The United States, bound by the Taiwan Relations Act, has pledged to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, making the island a focal point of US-China tensions. Any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan by force could lead to a broader conflict involving the United States but also Japan, with unpredictable and far-reaching consequences for global stability and the world economy. Moreover, Taiwan's struggle to maintain autonomy is viewed by many in the Asia-Pacific region as a test case for smaller states resisting the pressures of a rising China, making Taiwan’s future a matter of regional concern.
In Conclusion, the importance of Taiwan to China is multifaceted, encompassing historical claims, strategic imperatives, economic interests, political considerations, and international dynamics. For China, Taiwan is not just a territorial dispute but a symbol of power, a strategic asset, and a key piece in the broader geopolitical chessboard. The stakes are high, and the implications of any change in Taiwan's status would reverberate far beyond the shores of the Taiwan Strait. As such, the Taiwan issue will continue to be a central and highly sensitive topic in international relations for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the people of Taiwan and their government continue to assert their distinct identity, electing pro-autonomy leaders and distancing themselves from China. With such divergent objectives, the question remains: what will it take for Taiwan to preserve its autonomy?
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