China-Taiwan Tension: Claims of Sovereignty and Military Activity
The tension between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan is a long-standing historical, political, and geopolitical issue. China views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains its existence as a de facto independent state. This situation leads to significant political and military tensions at both the regional and global levels.
China’s Claims of Sovereignty Over Taiwan
China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan began in 1949 with the end of the Chinese Civil War. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took control of mainland China, while the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) party retreated to Taiwan. Since then, China has regarded Taiwan as an “inalienable part” of its territory and pursues a “One China” policy. This policy is accepted by a large part of the international community and prevents Taiwan from being officially recognized.
However, since the 1990s, Taiwan has adopted a democratic system of government and functions as a de facto independent state. A large part of the Taiwanese population opposes unification with China and embraces an independent identity. This situation contradicts China’s goal of “peaceful unification” and increases tension.
Military Activity in the Region
China has increased its military pressure on Taiwan in recent years. Conducting regular military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, China tests Taiwan’s defense capabilities and demonstrates its power to the international community. Especially in 2021 and 2022, China’s sending of warplanes into Taiwan’s defense zone has escalated tensions in the region.
China’s military activity is also shaping Taiwan’s defense strategies. Taiwan is preparing for a possible invasion attempt by China by purchasing weapons from the US and developing modern defense systems. However, China’s military capacity and geographical proximity to Taiwan make Taiwan’s defense difficult.
US Support for Taiwan and Tensions in US-China Relations
The US is one of Taiwan’s most important international supporters. Despite establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1979, the US continues to provide defense support to Taiwan within the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act. This law envisages that the US will meet Taiwan’s defense needs and maintain peace in the region.
US Policy on Taiwan
US policy on Taiwan is based on a strategic balance. While maintaining economic and diplomatic relations with China, it also supports Taiwan’s security. The US sells weapons to Taiwan and defends the right to freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. In addition, visits by US officials to Taiwan frequently cause tensions in US-China relations.
In 2022, the visit of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan led to a strong reaction from China and increased military tension in the region. China described this visit as “provocative” and conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan.
Tensions in US-China Relations
US-China relations have deteriorated significantly in recent years due to the Taiwan issue. China sees US support for Taiwan as “interference in internal affairs” and states that this situation harms relations between the two countries. On the other hand, the US argues that China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan threatens regional stability.
This tension is not limited to the political and military sphere. The US-China rivalry manifests itself in the fields of technology, trade, and global leadership. Taiwan plays a key role in this rivalry due to its leading position in the semiconductor industry. Therefore, the future of Taiwan is important not only regionally but also globally.
Conclusion
The China-Taiwan tension has become an important part of global politics, not just between the two sides. China’s claims of sovereignty and military activity, Taiwan’s independence efforts, and the US role in the region constitute the basic dynamics of this tension. In the coming years, how this tension will evolve will have an important place on the agenda of both the Asia-Pacific region and the international community.
The Taiwan issue has the potential to turn into a regional conflict if a peaceful solution is not found. Therefore, keeping the channels of dialogue and diplomacy open between the parties is vital for maintaining regional stability.