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Taiwan's China Dilemma: A Complex History and Uncertain Future

Eli Brooks

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Published in Taiwan S China Dilemma: Contested Identities And Multiple Interests In Taiwan S Cross Strait Economic Policy

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Taiwan's relationship with China has been one of the most complex and contentious in international relations. The two sides have been engaged in a diplomatic and military standoff for decades, and the issue of Taiwan's status remains unresolved. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped this relationship, and examines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Taiwan’s China Dilemma: Contested Identities and Multiple Interests in Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Economic Policy

by Syaru Shirley Lin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Historical Background

The history of Taiwan's relationship with China dates back to the 17th century, when the island was ruled by the Dutch and later the Chinese Qing dynasty. In 1895, Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War. Japan ruled Taiwan until 1945, when it was returned to China after World War II.

After the Chinese Civil War, in which the Communist Party of China (CPC) defeated the Kuomintang (KMT),the KMT government fled to Taiwan and established the Republic of China (ROC). The CPC government established the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland. Both the ROC and the PRC claimed to be the legitimate government of all of China, and the two sides have been engaged in a diplomatic and military standoff ever since.

Political Dimensions

The political dimensions of the Taiwan-China relationship are complex and multifaceted. The ROC and the PRC have different political systems, ideologies, and foreign policies. The ROC is a democracy, while the PRC is a one-party state. The ROC has developed close ties with the United States and other Western countries, while the PRC has become a major economic and military power with global ambitions.

The status of Taiwan is one of the most contentious issues in the relationship between the two sides. The PRC claims that Taiwan is part of China and that the ROC is an illegitimate government. The ROC maintains that it is a sovereign state and that it has the right to self-determination.

Economic Dimensions

The economic dimensions of the Taiwan-China relationship are also complex and interconnected. Taiwan is a major economic power, and it has benefited from close economic ties with the PRC. However, the PRC has also used its economic power to pressure Taiwan politically. For example, the PRC has imposed trade restrictions on Taiwan and has attempted to isolate it from the international community.

The economic relationship between the two sides is likely to continue to be a source of both cooperation and competition. Taiwan needs access to the PRC market, while the PRC needs Taiwan's technology and investment. However, the PRC is also likely to continue to use its economic power to try to influence Taiwan's political decisions.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Taiwan-China relationship is likely to continue to be a source of challenge and opportunity for both sides. The PRC is determined to unify Taiwan with the mainland, while the ROC is determined to maintain its independence. The United States has a strong interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and it has warned the PRC against using force to resolve the Taiwan issue.

The future of the Taiwan-China relationship is uncertain. However, there are a number of opportunities for cooperation between the two sides. For example, the two sides could work together to address common challenges such as climate change and terrorism. They could also work together to promote economic development and regional stability.

The Taiwan-China relationship is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is a relationship that is shaped by history, politics, and economics. The future of the relationship is uncertain, but there are a number of opportunities for cooperation between the two sides. The United States has a strong interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and it will continue to play a key role in the relationship between Taiwan and China.

Taiwan’s China Dilemma: Contested Identities and Multiple Interests in Taiwan’s Cross-Strait Economic Policy

by Syaru Shirley Lin

4.5 out of 5