Taipei has been proactive in exploiting the current geopolitical situation to gain recognition of its position on independence from China
Deccan Herald
Date: JUL 02 2020
By: Gunjan Singh
The precarious peace and balance across the Taiwan straits have been challenged further since the January re-election of Tsai-Ing wen as the country’s President.
Even during Tsai’s first term, China had made it obvious that it was unhappy that her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) (which is generally perceived to be pro-independence) had won the elections. Beijing’s approach was to reduce Taiwan’s diplomatic space. Thus, it was no surprise that by the end of Tsai’s first term, Taipei was left with only 15 diplomatic allies. Beijing used its deep financial clout to woo smaller countries away from Taiwan.
China considers Taiwan to be its own part and has always kept the option of military unification open. There was constant reiteration by the Chinese leadership that Beijing will achieve reunification as it is a part of the ‘Chinese Dream’. The Chinese Dream is about achieving 'national rejuvenation' which cannot be complete without reunification as the issue of Taiwan is a left over from the time when China was weak.
However, the results of the 2020 elections proved to be a pushback against China’s heavy-handed approach. Since her re-election Tsai has been increasingly vocal in her support for maintaining the status quo and has argued that Taiwan is a democratic entity and pushed for an independent Taiwanese identity.
The relationship has become further strained with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Effective handling of the Covid-19 pandemic by Taiwan has lent support to the argument that open, democratic systems can handle such situations as well or better than China. Moreover, Taiwan has blamed China for keeping it out of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and gravely affecting the lives of its 24 million inhabitants. Taiwan has also criticised China for delayed information to the WHO and done its part in proactively donating masks globally.
[FULL STORY]
