Taiwan’s President has become more strident on cross-Strait questions, and Beijing is turning up the dial. This statement has been making headlines around the world, raising concerns and questions about the relationship between Taiwan and China. However, upon closer examination, it is clear that this situation is not as dire as it may seem. In fact, it could even be a sign of progress and positive change for both sides.
First, let’s take a look at the recent actions of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen. In her inauguration speech, she made a strong statement about Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence, which was seen as a direct challenge to China’s long-standing “One China” policy. This was followed by a series of moves, such as rejecting the “1992 Consensus” and increasing Taiwan’s military budget, that have been viewed by China as provocative and aggressive. But what is important to note is that these actions were not meant to incite conflict, but rather to assert Taiwan’s stance as a democratic and independent nation.
President Tsai has been elected by the people of Taiwan and it is her duty to protect their interests and uphold their values. The majority of Taiwanese people do not identify with China and want to maintain their own unique identity. In fact, recent polls have shown that the people of Taiwan are in favor of maintaining the status quo, rather than unification with China. Therefore, President Tsai’s actions are in line with the wishes of the Taiwanese people, and should be respected by China.
On the other hand, Beijing’s response to President Tsai’s actions has been less than constructive. China has increased military drills and conducted large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, which have been seen as a show of force. This has only served to escalate tensions between the two sides and create a sense of unease in the region. It is understandable that China wants to maintain its claim over Taiwan, but resorting to aggressive tactics will only create more animosity and hinder any chances of peaceful resolution.
However, there is still hope for a positive outcome. Despite the recent tensions, Taiwan and China have made significant progress in their relationship in the past few years. In 2015, the two sides signed the Cross-Strait Services Trade Agreement, which opened up new avenues for economic cooperation. This agreement has brought tangible benefits to both sides, with Taiwan’s exports to China increasing by 4.3% in 2018. Furthermore, there have been increased exchanges and dialogue between the two sides, including the first direct phone call between leaders in 2018. These developments show that both Taiwan and China are willing to engage with each other in a peaceful and cooperative manner.
It is also important to note that Taiwan’s stance on cross-Strait issues is not a new development. Previous presidents, such as Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian, have also taken a firm stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. However, what sets President Tsai apart is her willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution and maintain stability in the region. In her inauguration speech, she emphasized the need for dialogue and communication between Taiwan and China, and has expressed her commitment to maintaining the status quo and avoiding any provocative actions.
In conclusion, while tensions may be rising between Taiwan and China, it is important to view the situation in a positive light. President Tsai’s actions are not meant to incite conflict, but rather to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty and protect the interests of her people. China’s response, however, has been less than ideal and has only served to escalate tensions. But there is still hope for a peaceful resolution, as both sides have shown a willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation. It is time for China to acknowledge Taiwan’s democratic values and respect their right to self-determination. Only through mutual respect and understanding can a lasting solution be reached for the benefit of both Taiwan and China.
