The significance of the Taiwan question for contemporary international politics

Yuriy Skorokhod; Artem Sapsai

The significance of the Taiwan question for contemporary international politics

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, as well as evaluate the current situation on the international stage regarding the conflict between China and Taiwan, the policies of neighbouring countries, and the United States of America, as a key actor in the Pacific region. The research examined the course of the war, key stages, outcomes, and the present situation in the context of the China-Taiwan conflict. The methodology involved a comparative analysis of official statements and memoirs of the participants in the events, as well as an examination of the decisions, strategies, and tactics of the governments of the PRC and Taiwan during and after the Civil War. The results indicated that the tensions surrounding Taiwan are one of the most significant issues in international politics, particularly in the context of global stability. The international community responds in varying ways: the USA and Japan actively support Taiwan, while the EU, South Korea, and India exhibit caution in their diplomatic stance. Although the EU supports the One-China policy, it has expressed concern over the rising tensions, urging the strengthening of economic and trade relations with Taiwan and increasing its participation in international organisations. The USA continues to support Taiwan. China’s military presence in the Taiwan Strait and its military exercises contribute to rising tensions, prompting the intensification of military cooperation between the USA, Japan, and other regional allies. Japan and South Korea, despite their economic ties with China, seek to maintain stability in the region, while India is strengthening its economic and unofficial relations with Taiwan in response to Chinese aggression. India is actively developing cooperation with Taiwan in technology and security, emphasising a pragmatic approach to the China-Taiwan conflict. The results suggest that the Chinese Civil War had a long-lasting impact on Taiwan’s political status, laying the foundation for the current conflict. The tensions between China and Taiwan reflect the complexity of global politics and the varying approaches of international actors to the conflict

Keywords

One-China policy; territorial conflict; geopolitical tension; Asia-Pacific region; regime legitimacy; regional security

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Suggested citation

Skorokhod, Y., & Sapsai, А. (2024). The significance of the Taiwan question for contemporary international politics. Foreign Affairs, 34(6), 100-109. https://doi.org/10.59214/ua.fa/6.2024.100