Where do China-Taiwan relations stand?
- On January 13, Taiwan concluded its democratic elections, resulting in the election of Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as the new President.
Key Highlights
- Diplomatic Shift
- Shortly after the election, Nauru, a small island nation, announced a diplomatic shift from Taipei to Beijing.
- Beijing's Strategy
- China has employed a strategy of enticing smaller nations with promises of financial investment and infrastructure development to reduce Taiwan's diplomatic space.
- The DPP's perceived pro-independence stance has increased pressure from Beijing, leading to a decline in the number of countries recognizing Taiwan.
- China-Taiwan Ties and 1992 Consensus
- The main point of contention is President Tsai's refusal to accept the '1992 consensus,' which acknowledges 'one China.
- Chinese President's Goals
- The Chinese President has expressed the goals of rejuvenating the Chinese nation and reunifying Taiwan, considering it a 'sacred territory.'
- Despite China's displeasure, the DPP's electoral victory indicates that the Taiwanese people are not in a rush for reunification.
- Democracy in Taiwan
- Taiwan's democracy, established in 1996, has strengthened over the years, despite Chinese discontent.
- Taiwan's functioning democracy challenges the notion that the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the sole political option for the Chinese people.
Prelims takeaway
- Map Based questions
- Taiwan