US Democrat Pelosi stopped in Taiwan on her trip to Asia. A real affront for China. But why? An overview of the most important questions.
Despite Chinese threats, US leader Nancy Pelosi has landed in Taiwan. China had already announced countermeasures and flexed its muscles militarily. Taiwan’s armed forces are on increased readiness. What role does Pelosi’s visit play in Taiwan?
What is the basic conflict?
The Chinese leadership regards Taiwan as part of China. In fact, there have been two Chinese states for 72 years: the communist People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China, which is still officially called that, but is internationally known by the name of the island on which it is located – Taiwan.
Since the late 1980s, Taiwan has evolved from a dictatorship into a vibrant democracy. The island is one of the most politically stable democracies in Asia. China, on the other hand, is a communist people’s republic. Today’s head of state and party, Xi Jinping, sees “unification” with Taiwan as a “historic mission.”
What do the Taiwanese want?
The majority of Taiwanese have long seen themselves as independent and at least want to preserve the status quo. They also want to be internationally recognized as a democracy and not submit to a dictatorial system like in mainland China. The former Kuomintang government once had a right of representation for all of China, which is still reflected in the official name “Republic of China”. This claim was abandoned in 1994. At that time, Taiwan was changing from a dictatorship to a vibrant democracy. From the government’s point of view, any change in the status quo would have to be decided democratically by the 23 million Taiwanese today.
What does the US have to do with Taiwan?
The United States has long been committed to Taiwan’s defense capability – including by law. After China’s diplomatic recognition, the United States had already legally committed itself in 1979 with the “Taiwan Relations Act” to further support Taiwan’s defense capabilities. This usually happens through the delivery of “defensive” weapons. After the US has remained “strategically ambiguous” for deterrence purposes, US President Joe Biden has gone further than his predecessors, repeatedly calling it an “obligation” to defend Taiwan.
In addition, the island between Japan and the Philippines is of great strategic importance – not only for China. US General Douglas MacArthur once described Taiwan as the United States’ “unsinkable aircraft carrier”. A conquest by China would be an important building block in its great power ambitions because it would open the gateway to the Pacific.
Is a Chinese military conquest imminent?
The danger of Taiwan being conquered by China has increased significantly under Xi Jinping. To this end, China has long been modernizing its navy and air force in particular. It is assumed that the powerful president wants to implement the project during his term of office. In the fall, Xi Jinping wants to be confirmed for another five years. Further terms of office are conceivable. A foreign ambassador recently said: “I hope that Xi Jinping will stay in office for as long as possible.” That would push the timing of a military conquest further into the future.
Why is Taiwan recognized by only a few countries?
China is forcing any country that wants diplomatic ties with Beijing not to have official contacts with Taiwan. There is talk of the “One China Principle”. After that, Beijing is the only legitimate representative of China. Under Chinese pressure, Taiwan was expelled from the United Nations and international organizations. Only fewer than two dozen smaller countries still maintain diplomatic relations. Germany or the USA only operate an unofficial representation in Taipei.
Why are the tensions internationally significant?
The dispute over Taiwan is one of the most dangerous trouble spots in the world. Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, concerns are growing around the world that China could similarly attempt to conquer the democratic island. A military conflict would have a massive impact on the global economy. Should a dispute between the US and China escalate, two nuclear powers would face each other.
Experts assume that a war over Taiwan would have massive and greater repercussions than Russia’s attack on Ukraine – including Germany. Taiwan is number 22 of the major economies, industrially well developed and strongly intertwined with the world economy. A large part of the already scarce semiconductors come from local companies. Due to the high dependence on the Chinese market, German companies would be massively affected if economic sanctions were to be imposed on China, similar to those imposed on Russia.
US leader Pelosi landed in Taiwan
Before possible Pelosi visit: Taiwan increases combat readiness
