China-Taiwan Conflict - Case Study Example

China-Taiwan conflict Introduction The Taiwan conflict has remained a major issue that has continued to present significant avenues for a possible global conflict pitying major world powers. The conflict between the republic of china and Taiwan began in 1949, following the forceful takeover of the country by Mao Test-Tung. In retaliation, Mao spearheaded the formation of the people’s republic of china and initiated offensive attaches against Taiwan. This was aimed at unifying china under a single rule and ensuring that the power and influence of the republic of china and its leadership does not go beyond the island (Shaohua 90). However, the United States intervened by sending naval forces and defended Taiwan against full takeover by china, a step that escalated the conflict to international scale. The two countries have existed in a state of perennial conflict, struggle for independence and the attainment of peace without success. In this paper, the historical development of the Chinese- Taiwanese conflict will be evaluated to highlight how it has affected peaceful integration and coexistence in eastern Asia. The implication of continued conflict in future geopolitical arrangements and conflicts will also be evaluated to highlight how this conflict can precipitate a war against the superpowers (Fu-Lai Tony and Kwan 40). Taiwan-Chinese issue Since the first conflict after the Second World War, Taiwan and china has existed in a state of conflict with the two states failure to support integration and independence. The hostilities between the two countries have most of the time been associated with military conflicts, war and massive destruction of property. For example, the people’s liberation army had engaged in various atrocities against Taiwan, leading to massive deaths and international outcry. In 1958, the army attacked the Kinsmen and Matsu islands of Taiwan and the Chinese government has also tested ballistic missiles in the costal state of Taiwan, with the recent test conducted in 1996 (Rigger 307). The transition from a strict communist state to a society that partly embraces western ideals has led to the decline in the level of rivalry and tension between the two states. Taiwan has opted to adopt a democratic type of government and this has enabled the growth of its economy. The pursuit of integration by the PCR has led to the development of various approaches such as intimidation, military conflict and illegal arms tests. However, the Taiwan government has remained resolute and determined to remain independent despite the sustained intimidation by the PRC (Fu-Lai Tony and Kwan 40). The determination of Taiwan to remain independent has been attributed to the leaders of the democratic progressive party who have scoffed off attacks and intimidation from mainstream Chinese government. However, the election of Ma Ying in 2008 saw an improvement in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. This has been attributed to his soft stance towards the controversial issue of reintegration with china, an issue that other leaders in the country oppose. His policies have therefore significantly reduced the possibility of an armed conflict between the two countries as he continues to embrace pro-unification strategies (Rigger 307). The United States has made a public commitment to protect Taiwan in the event that it is attacked by china over the integration push. For example, the enactment of the Taiwan relations act of 1979 under president jimmy carter highlighted the resolution of the country to the course of Taiwan and its citizens. Support of the United States towards Taiwan has taken a controversial policy approach that china has constantly opposed, leading to the fear that an international conflict can emerge from the domestic issue (Shaohua 90). Instead of maintaining a military base in Taiwan, the United States has instead offered to support the Taiwanese army by selling them military machinery to the tube of billions of US dollars. These include small arms, fighter ships and jets, patriot missiles and other intelligence machinery aimed at forestalling the activities of the Chinese government (Fu-Lai Tony and Kwan 40). Despite showing consistent support to Taiwan, the United States has economic ties with both countries and this highlight the need to adopt a middle ground and eliminate the current tension witnessed. The economic codependence of the United States with china and Taiwan has thus forced the country to embrace a less rigorous policy or more pronounced position on the nonviolent conflict. The relationship between the three countries and even with other western countries point to a strong desire to have the conflict solved moving forward. The large economic and business volume between the three nations will be affected if china attacks Taiwan and the United States move in to defend the latter (Rigger 307). The Taiwan issue is therefore a dangerous conflict that can have massive economic and social implication if allowed to progress without intervention. China, the United States, nuclear powers, and their interest in the Taiwanese issue present major complications to world peace. The Taiwan Strait has thus been viewed as the only potential source of a future conflict between major world superpowers with the ability to mount an aggressive campaign against each other (Hsiang-Chieh 1). The Chinese communist regime believe that preventing the independence of Taiwan is key to its legitimacy and such a reasoning has informed the strong stance the country has adopted towards the Taiwan conflict and issue despite attempts by international community to diffuse the tension. The government believes that in the event that they allow Taiwan to gain independence without intervention, then the nationalist affiliated citizens would possible overthrow them out of leadership (Freeman 6). This has forced the government to adopt a come-what-may attitude in ensuring that the island does not gain independence despite support from other countries. This situation has forced the United States to seek a neutral point that will eliminate the potential for conflict and protect the interest of the two states. Taiwan must ensure that it remains cognizant of the implication that careless and provocative behavior will have on its quest for independence (Hsiang-Chieh 1). This has risen the question on the where the conflict red line exist, which can create military, conflict if crossed by Taiwan or china for instance. For china, a declaration for independence by the Taiwanese republic will indicate nothing rather than going to war to defend the legitimacy of the communist government. Such a declaration will lead to a military conflict, economic embargo and an attempt by the people’s republic of china to affect the stability of the Taiwanese economy (Brown 214). The united states currently lack any treaty that compels it to intervene in the event that Taiwan is attacked as the Taiwan relations act only allow the united states government to support the Taiwan government and army through the provision of military weapons and technical training. However, this same treaty also obligates the United States to be concerned with the situation in Taiwan and to make adequate consultation with congress on the way forward in such a situation. Concern and responsibility therefore mean that the United States is under treaty-enabled obligations to protect and defend the Taiwanese people in the event of an attack by the people’s republic of china (Yoshihara 50). Solutions to the conflict Diffusing the tension between the two countries and solving this age long conflict has potential benefits to the two countries involved. However, solutions have remained elusive to the hard stance position of the antagonist and the protagonist. China has the potential to diffuse the tension and ensure that the two states remain in peaceful coexistence due to the powers it possess and the policy of the communist government. In this section, the potential approaches that both china and Taiwan can embrace in pursuit of a solution to the crisis and conflict will be discussed (Hsiang-Chieh 1). Solution to this conflict hinges on the policies adopted by the two countries towards each other and the adoption of flexible and working compromises. At the moment, china and Taiwan has remained in an antagonist position, viewing each other with a lot of suspicion and lack of trust, a situation that complicates the needs for a better relationship between the two countries. The growth of one individual character has high chances of increasing the level of discord in a society (Yoshihara 50). You should therefore appreciate that the increased incidences of riots in our society today are directly because of the increased adoption of capitalistic approach to Independence creation. This was recently witnessed during the 38th commemoration of Mao’s death. Youths engaged anti-riot police as they chanted Mao’s ideologies. Concern for our poor therefore integrates and brings us together (Rigger 307). This is needed for the prevalence of peace and harmony in the country, as in capitalism, power and Independence is created within a small group of individuals. Such individuals wield so much influence and are most of the time filled with greed. This should not be the source of inspiration for the Taiwanese people who believe that their economic prosperity is affected by the Chinese actions and attitude towards them (Clark and Alexander 24). It is therefore only fair if you enjoy your achievement and Independence by being there for those in need. As much as you have the capitalistic attitude, do not let it sink into your brain and make you selfish (Brown 214). In the spirit of the red army wife, caring for the less fortunate was made part of the roles played by the rich. This created cohesion and peaceful coexistence among individual of different social classes. This is not practiced by the youths today who have no time for other people’s plight. You must therefore embrace other as per the spirit of the red army wife and make their problems part of your problems. This spirit reduces the levels of resentment among members of a society. Approaching your brother’s suffering with a caring heart creates love and respect in a society that are ideologies in Mao’s socialistic hypothesis (Freeman 6). Ownership of property according to Mao’s ideologies ensured that peace prevailed amongst members of the society. That is the spirit that you should also adopt in your day-to-day life as you approach issues related to Independence and finance (Yoshihara 50). In comparison to today’s society, the adoption of Mao’s teachings in implementing gender equality may not be achieved. Our world today treats all individuals based on their abilities irrespective of their genders. This is because there has been a major paradigm shift in the roles that women played then and the ones they play today. Women are today assigned major roles as compared to the ones they played then (Liu 27). As a society, we must strive to give back to others by showing concern for their sufferings and problems. That is a role that you must actively play as youths despite the personal achievements that you have made this far. Mao’s ideology does not agitate for the neglect of those in need and this is what you must adopt in solving problems that face you and others in our country (Hsiang-Chieh 1). Even though this has been a normal practice in traditionally capitalistic countries in the west, it will create disharmony in our country. Few members of the society who feel disadvantaged can create a revolution. With Mao teachings still readily available in our national libraries, a clear understanding of its principles will help us understand the ideology of communal ownership (Renalds 23). In adopting Mao’s teaching to approach problems in our country today, you must adopt a selective approach and ensure that teachings which advocates for violence are ignored. This is because some of Mao’s teachings advocated for violence and taking up of arms. This cannot be adopted in contemporary china, as war is today an international affair. The army wife was an idealistic movement that was formed during the Russian revolution and developed into one of the greatest armies in the communist and socialist states (Yoshihara 50). It developed great communist ideologies that agitated for brotherhood and societal care and respect for all without consideration of class or gender. You should therefore continue to propagate the teachings of the red army wife in your actions and deeds. This can only be possible if you care for all members of our society. Class or gender differences should not be the basis that we use to determine how we relate to others (Brown 214). Engaging in warfare with aim of promoting Mao’s ideologies will retrograde all the economic gains that our country has made since the fall of Mao’s regime. Today, despite a shift to capitalistic economic approach, we are industrially developed and famine is under control. This is in contrast to the situation that our country was subjected to for several years during Mao’s regime (Associated Press). The applications of Mao’s teachings in providing solutions and integrating into the new capitalistic approach that our country has adopted will enable us breed tolerance and peace. When we consider the problems of others as our own and strive to help them in their time of need, we enhance cohesion (Freeman 6). Creation of Independence should be bone through a just and sincere way. In doing this, we should not step on the other less fortunate members of our society. Once we have achieved this financial state, we should also be considerate of the plight of others at all times. Class and gender difference should not be a way of creating disharmony in us. Mao’s ideologies agitated for togetherness and this is what you as successful youths should achieve (Renalds 23). Future of Taiwan-Chinese relations The escalation of the Taiwan-Chinese conflict has been attributed to the role of the United States and other western countries in the issue. The United States has made a public commitment to protect Taiwan in the event that it is attacked by china over the integration push (Associated Press). For example, the enactment of the Taiwan relations act of 1979 under president jimmy carter highlighted the resolution of the country to the course of Taiwan and its citizens. Support of the United States towards Taiwan has taken a controversial policy approach that china has constantly opposed, leading to the fear that an international conflict can emerge from the domestic issue (Freeman 6). Instead of maintaining a military base in Taiwan, the United States has instead offered to support the Taiwanese army by selling them military machinery to the tube of billions of US dollars. These include small arms, fighter ships and jets, patriot missiles and other intelligence machinery aimed at forestalling the activities of the Chinese government (Brown 214). Despite showing consistent support to Taiwan, the United States has economic ties with both countries and this highlight the need to adopt a middle ground and eliminate the current tension witnessed. The economic codependence of the United States with china and Taiwan has thus forced the country to embrace a less rigorous policy or more pronounced position on the nonviolent conflict (Liu 27). The relationship between the three countries and even with other western countries point to a strong desire to have the conflict solved moving forward. The large economic and business volume between the three nations will be affected if china attacks Taiwan and the United States move in to defend the latter (Renalds 23). The end of communism and the adoption of a nationalistic approach to Chinese leadership are the key to the independence of Taiwan devoid of any military conflict. Currently, the communist believe that the independence of Taiwan is a vote of no confidence in its leadership in china and this informs the basis the strong attitude towards the issue. The adoption of bilateral relationship between the two countries is essential in ensuring the two countries remain in peaceful coexistence and relationship without need for war (Associated Press). Bilateral security policy approach is beneficial in this context as it eliminate the presence of free ride nations and thus makes it possible for all countries to participate in the management of the security needs of the two countries involved. Rivalry and competition also affects the effectiveness of multilateral transnational approaches as competition affects the effectiveness of the approach. Some countries worry about the benefits of cooperation on their internal security needs and how it promotes other countries as compared to the independent countries (Tanner 130). This affects the inputs and contribution of the countries involved in multilateral agreement and provides leeway for organized international criminals and cartels to infiltrate and control the security apparatus. However, bilateral approach is developed on a common and mutual benefits basis which enables the countries involved to highlight the resources they are willing to commit to the program and how each country stand to benefit in enhancing internal and cross border security (Liu 27). Countries in bilateral transnational policies are therefore less worried about losing ground to rival country that has been lumped into the multilateral cooperation due to its strategic location. Issues associated with relative gains, which are more dominant in multilateral policies, aimed at promoting transnational security lacks in bilateral approaches and this increases its likelihood to succeed as compared to multilateral approaches (Tanner 130). In a situation where the bilateral partner is a more developed nation with stronger security apparatus, the benefits associated with the corporation will be enjoyed by the lesser nation as she will benefit from the complicated security and surveillance system of the dominant nations. This eliminates the possibility of competitive attitude that has the possibility of affecting the success of the approach in tackling international crime and terrorism (Ashraf, 2007). When the Korean peninsula war escalated, the benefits of bilateral approaches to international security and agreements were witnessed and this partly led to the diffusion of the war without intervention that would have been occasioned by multilateral approaches. The continued rivalry provided an opportunity in japan and Taiwan in different ways and this occurred majorly as a result of its bilateral nature. Despite the boon it provided to the two countries, none was willing to make military intervention and become part of the war as they were not ready to recognize with any of the warring faction (Block, 2010). China was actively involved in the peninsula war, this provided Taiwan with a breathing space, and safety as the focus of china was shifted towards the Korean War During the war. The United States pursued a bilateral agreement and security alliances with its alienate and this allowed the country to have free access to the warring factions without appearing partisan and actively engaged in the conflict (Associated Press). The government believes that in the event that they allow Taiwan to gain independence without intervention, then the nationalist affiliated citizens would possible overthrow them out of leadership. This has forced the government to adopt a come-what-may attitude in ensuring that the island does not gain independence despite support from other countries (Clark and Alexander 24). This situation has forced the United States to seek a neutral point that will eliminate the potential for conflict and protect the interest of the two states. Taiwan must ensure that it remains cognizant of the implication that careless and provocative behavior will have on its quest for independence (Tanner 130). Conclusion Taiwan and china has remained existed in a tense environment since the end of World War II and this has affected the relationship of the two countries with other members of the international community. According to this treaty, the United States made a commitment to protect Taiwan in case china attacked the country for any political or boundary reason. This has caused significant international and diplomatic strains between china and the United States despite the common interests that the two countries share (Lupke 57). China has made a strong resolution to ensure that Taiwan does declare a state of self-independence at all cost as this will illegitimate the communist government and make them susceptible to attacks by pro Taiwan nationalists. Taiwan on the other hand has a strong resolve to gain independence and escape from the control of china, a country that has remained instrumental in its growth and problems equally (Cai 16). The existence of peace between the two countries will be influenced by the decisions that they will independently make and the role of other countries such as the United States and other western countries. Works Cited Associated Press. "China-Taiwan relationship inching forward; Despite progress, experts warn conflicts remain in vital areas." The Dallas Morning News. 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