The Taiwan Strait Tension-The China-Taiwan Conflict

Introduction

China maintains its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, seeing it as a part of its territory and pledging to bring the two countries back together eventually, even if it means using force. China's military exercises near Taiwan have risen dramatically, with frequent naval and air incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In reaction to China's growing assertiveness, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan's security and boosted its support, including military cooperation and arms sales.

Conversely, Taiwan preserves its unique identity and democratic framework, with the vast majority of its citizens endorsing the current state of de facto independence. In reaction to China's military threats, Taiwan has strengthened its defenses and worked to expand its ties and global footprint.

What is the Present Context of China-Taiwan Conflict?

Historical Context

• Japan inherited Taiwan after China lost the first Sino-Japanese war in 1895. Taiwan had been ruled by China during the Qing dynasty.

• Following Japan's defeat in World War II, China reclaimed sovereignty of Taiwan in 1945; nonetheless, nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949 as a result of the civil war erupting between them and the communists.

• The Chinese Civil War (1927–1950) between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) is where the origins of the Taiwan dispute lie.

• Following the Communist triumph in 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was proclaimed on the mainland by the CPC, while the Nationalist government withdrew to Taiwan and established the Republic of China (ROC) there.

One-China Policy

• The PRC asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and maintains that there is only one China, of which Taiwan is a part.

• This is encapsulated in the One-China Policy. Both the PRC and the ROC claim to represent the legitimate government of all of China.

International Recognition

• The majority of nations, including the US, accept the One-China Policy and the PRC as the legitimate government of China.

• Nonetheless, despite not formally acknowledging Taiwan's sovereignty, they continue to have informal contacts with Taiwan, frequently in the form of cultural and economic exchanges.

Military Threats

• Should diplomatic efforts fail, China has not ruled out using military action to bring Taiwan back to the mainland.

• It has increased its navy and missile troops as well as modernized its military capabilities, which has alarmed Taiwan and other nations in the area.

International Community

• In terms of international relations, the Taiwan dispute is still delicate and divisive.

• Many nations try to strike a careful balance between supporting Taiwan's democracy and security and their relations with China.

What are the Different Aspects of China-Taiwan Conflict in Present Times?

China’s Concerns

Challenges to the One China Policy

• This implies that nations wishing to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC, Mainland China) must sever formal ties with the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan), and vice versa.

• This approach is called into question by Taiwan's membership in intergovernmental organizations and its diplomatic ties:

• Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the EU are just a few of the many states with which the Democratic Republic of China (ROC) has formal diplomatic relations.

Agreements/Exercises Against China

• In an apparent attempt to counter China, the US has announced the formation of a new trilateral security cooperation (AUKUS) for the Indo-Pacific region, involving the UK, the US, and Australia.

• The US, Japan, India, and Australia-led Malabar Exercise is also a significant step toward forming a long-lasting Indo-Pacific alliance and resolving the enormous strategic imbalance brought about by a militarily and economically dominant China.

Strategic and Defense Support to Taiwan by US

• The United States of America provides Taiwan with strategic and defense support. Taiwan has attempted to strengthen its defenses by acquiring US armaments, such as modernized F-16 fighter jets, armed drones, rocket systems, and Harpoon missiles.

• In an effort to preserve maritime security and establish alliances that promote freedom of the seas, a US aircraft carrier group led by the battleship Theodore Roosevelt has entered the South China Sea.

India's Position

• Acknowledges the One-China Policy

• Taiwan and Tibet are recognized as parts of China under the "One China" policy, which India has embraced since 1949.

• Nonetheless, India employs the policy to advance a diplomatic point: China ought to support a "One India" policy if India does.

US Position

• The US and China have opposing positions on Taiwan, which are demonstrated by the recent Chinese incursions and the US's resistance to them.

• It has asked China to have substantive talks with Taiwan's democratically elected officials in place of continuing its economic, diplomatic, and military pressure against the island nation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's burgeoning national interests provide compelling grounds for maintaining the current stance on Taiwan. The prospect of involvement in a Taiwan conflict remains remote given India's economic and security imperatives. The repercussions of such a conflict would be dire, disrupting global trade and possibly sparking wider regional turmoil. To avert such a scenario, India possesses a range of policy tools at its disposal. These encompass leveraging international legal norms, deploying diplomatic overtures, implementing strategic economic measures, conducting effective information campaigns, and offering strategic support to the United States in the Indian Ocean. By employing these multifaceted approaches, India can effectively safeguard its interests while contributing to regional stability. In essence, India's strategic calculus underscores the imperative of preserving the status quo regarding Taiwan, emphasizing the significance of diplomatic finesse and prudent policy maneuvers in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.