Political and military tensions between China and Taiwan are increasing. Recently, China has sent 60 warplanes and several military ships to Taiwan in a show of force. This military display by China has caused concern not only in Taiwan but also in the entire Asia-Pacific region. Western powers, including the United States, are monitoring the situation, which has become an important issue in international politics.
In this report, we will analyze the background of China-Taiwan relations, the causes of recent tensions, the international reaction, the possible consequences, and the future situation. In this report, we will analyze the background of China-Taiwan relations, the causes of recent tensions, the international reaction, the possible consequences, and the future situation.
China considers Taiwan to be part of its sovereign territory and has publicly announced plans to reunify it with China under the “one country, two systems” principle. Taiwan, on the other hand, governs itself as an independent democratic state.
- After the Chinese Civil War, the Kuomintang (KMT) party led by Chiang Kai-shek was defeated in mainland China and took refuge in Taiwan.
- Although the Kuomintang government initially claimed itself as the Republic of China (ROC), it later began to operate under an independent system of government.
- The People's Republic of China (PRC) has always claimed Taiwan as part of itself.
- 1971: The United Nations recognizes the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan is expelled from the UN.
- 1979: The United States severed formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan and established relations with China, but pledged to protect Taiwan's security through the 'Taiwan Relations Act'.
- 1995-1996: “Taiwan Strait Crisis” – Chinese military exercises and US intervention.
- 2000s: A democratic government is established in Taiwan, which further increases political tensions with China.
- 2022: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan, sparking a strong reaction from China.
The current government in Taiwan has been rejecting Chinese control and seeking to strengthen its position on the international stage, which is becoming increasingly worrying for China.
- The United States provides military assistance to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act.
- US warships frequently patrol the Taiwan Strait, which China sees as a major source of tension.
- Recently, military cooperation between the United States and Taiwan has increased.
- China wants to show off its military capabilities to the world and is taking strategic steps to establish its dominance in the region.
- The military is preparing to pressure Taiwan and prepare for possible unification.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping can use the Taiwan issue to demonstrate his strong leadership and divert public attention.
International reaction
- The US military is on alert.
- President Trump has strongly criticized China's actions and said, "We are committed to the security of Taiwan."
- Japan condemned the incident and said it was important to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
- South Korea has expressed concern and called for a diplomatic solution.
- European countries view such military displays by China as a violation of international law.
- If China takes direct military action, it could cause a global conflict.
- China and Taiwan may come to the negotiating table under international pressure.
- Taiwan-China tensions could have a major impact on the global economy, especially in the semiconductor industry.
China-Taiwan tensions are not limited to these two regions, but have become an important issue in global politics. China is seeking to strengthen its position internationally by increasing its military power, but this could create long-term instability in the Asia-Pacific region. If there is no diplomatic solution, the fear of military conflict in the future may become stronger.
The future of the Taiwan crisis depends on the role of the international community and the trajectory of US-China relations.