Source: Indian Express
Subject: International Relation
Topic: Global issues
Issue: China Taiwan relation, Presidential election in Taiwan
Why in news: Recent presidential election in Taiwan and shrinkage of diplomatic space for Taiwan
Synopsis:
More about the news:
- Recently Taiwan concluded its democratic elections in January.
- It resulted in the election of Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as the new President.
- Despite the DPP’s win, Nauru, a small island nation, announced a shift in diplomatic relations from Taipei to Beijing,
- This shows continuity of a pattern observed during the previous term of President Tsai Ing-wen.
China’s strategy and shrinkage of diplomatic space for Taiwan
- China has consistently lured smaller nations with promises of financial investment and infrastructure development.
- This has resulted in a reduction in the number of countries recognizing Taiwan, which currently stands at 11, down from 22 in 2016.
- The DPP is perceived as a pro-independence party and thus the pressure from Beijing and the pace at which Taiwan has been losing allies is increasing.
- This is also because Taiwan is unable to match China’s deep pockets.
Key points about status of China and Taiwan ties:
- A) 1992 Consensus:
- The main point of contention in China-Taiwan relations is the refusal of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen to accept the ‘1992 consensus.’
- This consensus acknowledges the principle of ‘one China’ and was agreed upon between the Kuomintang (KMT, pro status-quo party) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).
- B) Taiwanese Consensus:
- President Tsai has publicly stated that the ‘1992 consensus’ goes against the ‘Taiwanese consensus.’
- This reflects a divergence in views between the political leadership in Taiwan and the historical agreement reached in 1992.
- C) Taiwanisation:
- There is a rise in ‘Taiwanisation’ among the younger generation in Taiwan.
- This generation does not feel a strong historical affinity with China and identifies primarily as Taiwanese.
- Growing up in a democratic political environment, they do not share the historical narratives of a united China.
- D) Aggressiveness under Xi Jinping:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified aggressiveness towards Taiwan.
- The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the reunification of Taiwan are significant goals for Xi,
- Xi has consistently expressed displeasure towards the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan due to its pro-independence stance.
- E) New Year’s Address by Xi:
- In his New Year’s address, President Xi remarked that reunification with Taiwan is “inevitable” and emphasized that Taiwan is a “sacred territory.”
- However, the electoral victory of the DPP indicates that the Taiwanese people are not in a hurry for reunification.
Democracy in Taiwan:
- Taiwan conducted its first democratic elections in 1996, marking a significant milestone in its political history.
- Since 1996, Taiwan’s democracy has strengthened and become more regularized.
- The island has held subsequent elections, solidifying its commitment to democratic governance.
- Taiwan’s democracy challenges the notion propagated by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) that it is the only viable political option for the Chinese people.
Conclusion:
- Despite the DPP’s electoral victory under President Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s future path is anticipated to be more challenging.
- The pressure from China, especially given its discontent with the DPP’s pro-independence stance, is likely to intensify.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has denied setting a specific timeline for the ultimate reunification of Taiwan with China.
- President Lai Ching-te will need to navigate adeptly through various diplomatic challenges.
