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Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. (E-mail: [email protected]).
The recent engagements of the US with Taiwan have increased tremendously, have created an alarming situation in the region. Taiwan issue was dominating in discussion during the current visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to the US. The American intentions are to engage China and keep it engaged for a more extended period and let China bleed. The US cannot protect Taiwan, neither sincere with Taiwan, but to contain China, counter China and resist Chinese rise, the US may take steps in Taiwan, aiming to harm China only.
In 1949, the Communists defeated the ruling party "Nationalist Party" (Guo Min Dang) and established the People's Republic of China. At the same time, the defeated Nationalist Party fled to Taiwan and established its Government as the Republic of China. The Communist Party was in a position to liberate Taiwan at that time, but under International obligations, it has left the issue to be resolved amicably.
China (PRC) believes that the ROC (Taiwan) ceased to be a legitimate government upon the founding of the former (PRC) on 1 October 1949 and that the PRC is the successor of the ROC as the sole legitimate Government of China, with the right to rule Taiwan under the succession of states theory.
Furthermore, the Chinese (PRC) position is that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which states "Recognizing that the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China are the only lawful representatives of China to the United Nations," means that the PRC is recognized as having the sovereignty of all of China, including Taiwan.
The PRC's position is that the ROC does not meet the fourth criterion of the Montevideo Convention, as it is recognized by only 14 UN member states and has been denied access to international organizations such as the UN.
The PRC government considers perceived violations of its "One-China policy" or inconsistencies with it, such as supplying the ROC with arms, a breach of its rights to territorial integrity.
China believed in peace and wanted a peaceful settlement of all disputes in the world. China is keen on the reunification of Taiwan amicably. The Great Leader Deng Xiao Ping proposed an out-of-the-box solution by introducing his innovative theory of "One Country Two Systems." China is implementing this theory in Macao and Hong Kong successfully. China has offered Taiwan even greater autonomy after reunification.
However, a small fraction of Taiwan’s residents is favoring "Independent Taiwan" and resisting peaceful reunification with China (PRC). Foreign interventions are also playing a dirty role too. The leading countries involved in the Taiwan issue are the US, the UK, and Japan. But China is observing patience and constraints. The US understands well that it can not win a war against China but can harm a little bit. The US is habitual to use third country as a battleground to keeps its people safe and cause damage to others only.
China has a clearly stated policy that use of force is applicable under the conditions given below:
if events occur leading to the "separation" of Taiwan from China in any name, or
if a major event occurs which would lead to Taiwan's "separation" from China, or
if all possibility of peaceful unification is lost.
After passing many ups and downs in history, China is a big country and has learned few lessons and become a mature and visionary nation. The visionary leadership in Beijing is well aware of the consequences and always trying its best to achieve reunification amicably. They have not used force for more than seven decades and are unwilling to use power in the future unless otherwise if they are left with no other option. It was easy, and even today, it is more convenient for China to use force and occupy Taiwan. But China has a principle stand for peaceful resolution of all disputes. However, if a war is imposed on China, it knows well how to win it.
It is hoped that the people in Taiwan may also understand the consequences of the use of force. They should understand the American motives and should not be used as scape-goat. The US is never sincere with its friends. There is a famous quote from Henry Kissinger "it may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal."
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
