Sansad TV: The Global Debate- U.S-China tensions over Taiwan | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

One-China Policy

• The One China policy is a stance held by Beijing, recognized by the United States, asserting that there is only one sovereign China, and Taiwan is an integral part of it.
• Countries wishing to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing must acknowledge the existence of "One China" and sever all formal ties with Taiwan.
• Under this policy, Washington maintains a robust unofficial relationship with Taiwan, including the sale of military equipment.
• It's important to distinguish the One China policy from the "One China principle," which asserts that both Taiwan and mainland China are indivisible parts of a single "China."

Background

• The roots of this policy can be traced back to 1949 and the conclusion of the Chinese civil war.
• The defeated Nationalists, or Kuomintang, retreated to Taiwan and established their government there, while the victorious Communists formed the People’s Republic of China.
• Both sides claimed to represent the entire Chinese nation.
• Initially, several governments, including the US, recognized Taiwan, distancing themselves from Communist China.
• However, diplomatic dynamics shifted in the 1970s as China and the United States began to develop relations, leading to many countries severing ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing.
• Nonetheless, informal relations with Taiwan persist through trade offices or cultural institutes, with the US serving as Taiwan's most significant security ally.

Winners and losers?

• The One China policy has significantly favored Beijing, leaving Taiwan in diplomatic isolation.
• Taiwan lacks recognition as an independent nation by much of the world, including the United Nations.
• It faces convoluted naming challenges to participate in international events and organizations, such as the Olympic Games and the World Trade Organization.
• Taiwan's isolation on the global stage is a result of the international community largely aligning with the US in recognizing Beijing.
• The US maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which safeguards US interests on the island.

Opposition to One-China Policy:

• Supporters of Taiwan's independence movement oppose the One-China principle, advocating for the establishment of the "Republic of Taiwan" and the development of a distinct Taiwanese identity separate from China, known as "Taiwanization."
• This stance has further isolated Taiwan diplomatically from the global community.
• Despite its isolation, Taiwan maintains strong economic and cultural ties with neighboring nations and leverages its emotional connection with the US to secure concessions.

US views on 'One China' policy:

• The United States has questioned the legitimacy of the One China policy.
• This dispute has generated speculation about the future of US-China relations, a critical relationship in the 21st century.
• The US has emphasized that it should not be Beijing's decision whether it communicates with Taiwan's leadership.
• The US appears to believe that China has exploited the existing international order to its advantage in recent years.
• Some US analysts have warned that this could lead to a potential military conflict.
• China may be willing to let its relationship with the United States deteriorate to assert its stance on the Taiwan issue.

How should India respond?

• India has refrained from endorsing the "one-China" policy since 2010.
• India could cautiously welcome the policy as long as negotiations between the US and China do not lead to the emergence of a G2 power dynamic.
• Simultaneously, India should strengthen its relationships with major global powers, including the US, Russia, China, and Japan.

For India to consider endorsing a one-China policy, China should reciprocate with a one-India policy.

Conclusion