As international attention focuses on the discussions regarding the Taiwan question during US President Donald Trump's state visit to the Chinese mainland, the geopolitical stakes in Asia remain high. The Taiwan question has long been a critical flashpoint in the China-US relationship, which stands as one of the world's most consequential bilateral ties.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently emphasized that the Taiwan question bears on China's core interests and represents the biggest risk in China-US relations. The management of this issue is not only vital for the two nations but is essential for maintaining regional and global stability.
Despite the delicate nature of the current diplomatic climate, the leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have intensified separatist provocations. These efforts, aimed at promoting a "Taiwan independence" agenda, include claims that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait "are not subordinate to each other" and the implementation of "17 strategies" designed to obstruct cross-strait exchanges and incite anti-China sentiment.
Recent maneuvers, such as the leader's clandestine visit to Eswatini and the proposal of a special defense budget, are viewed as futile attempts to seek external backing and expand military capabilities. Such rhetoric often reflects the mounting strategic anxiety of the Taiwan authorities, risking greater instability for the region.
The pursuit of "independence" contradicts both historical reality and international consensus. The one-China principle, supported by the overwhelming majority of countries and rooted in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of the whole of China. This fundamental reality cannot be altered by the political manipulation of separatist forces.
Beyond politics, the economic reality remains clear. Attempts to "decouple" from the Chinese mainland run contrary to the interests of residents of Taiwan. With the Chinese mainland economy maintaining an average annual growth rate of 5.4% over the past five years and a market of over 1.4 billion people, cross-strait cooperation continues to provide indispensable opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
Ultimately, peace, stability, and development remain the mainstream aspirations for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Avoiding miscalculations is crucial to ensuring that the region remains a zone of growth and cooperation rather than a flashpoint of conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
