The Taipei puzzle
Beijing has a new political puzzle to face with Taipei. The landslide victory of Lai Ching-te as the new President of Taiwan has put the entire uneasy trajectory of dealing with a resurgent island-state in quandary. The pro-sovereignty candidate had vowed to adopt an independent policy and work for independence from the Mainland. This is literally unacceptable to China, which has once again reiterated its “inevitable reunification” rhetoric, and also went to warn the US against meddling over this issue. Though Lai’s victory was on the cards, it got a further impetus from voters as China was seen worried over the candidate’s unrelenting stance, and had rejected any kind of intimidation.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has a hardline approach, and believes in upping the ante. This is why, perhaps, its leadership was seen hobnobbing with pressure lobbies in Washington, and called on China to “face reality” after the Sunday vote. The US too despite having a One-China policy officially is seen in cahoots to buckle up all the administrations in Taipei under the pretext of securing the region. The US pumps in critical military hardware to the island-state, and patrols the Straits of Taiwan to ensure that its navigational interests are secured. The prevailing uneasy peace in the South China Sea, and the anti-Beijing military alliances such as QUAD and ANZUS, however, go on to cripple the prospects of peace.
China’s conventional policy of restraint with Taiwan, as it believes in a peaceful reunion with the split island, seems to be up for a toss. This is why the economic superpower has made it clear that it will “never compromise” on Taiwan, and called upon the US to stop arming Taiwan, and oppose its ‘independence’. The onus is on the American leadership to clear the air, and reiterate their stance for a sovereign and unitary China. It’s time for both the countries to walk the talk as agreed during the San Francisco Summit to restart military talks, and address irritants in a congenial manner.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2024.
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