The changing geopolitical scenario of the world is signifying another world war. The emerging competition between the states of the world for economic superiority has paved the way for more conflict rather than cooperation between the states. The year 2022 has witnessed a series of events including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a hike in global oil prices, and currently the rift between the US and China over Taiwan.
China from the very beginning considers Taiwan as part of its territory. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has recently visited Taiwan and this move of the US has sparked aggression in China. China considers this move a breach of its sovereignty as it regards Taiwan as the part of its territory. It also considers it a breach of US commitment to the “One China Policy”.
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Understanding the matter better
China has exacerbated the air and sea operations around Taiwan just minutes after Pelosi reached Taiwan. If the visit will pave the way for the crisis, so it might be considered as Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis.
History shows that Taiwan Strait Crisis before was started with similar incidents firstly the time when the US and Taiwan signed a defense treaty in the year 1954, and secondly, the shelling on the island in 1958 through the US planning to refrain China from taking over the islands of Kinmen and Matsu of Taiwan.
Similarly, the third crisis erupted when Taiwan’s President in 1995 visited his alma mater (Cornell University). China responded to this visit in such a way that it started military exercises near the water of Taiwan. The visit was considered by China a betrayal by the US of the “One China Policy”. In the same way, history has repeated itself with Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The gradual hollowing of the US promise of “One China Policy” is raising tensions in China.
China’s leadership shows that President Xi focuses on China having a more powerful military. He is also more personally attached to the direction of Taiwan, therefore, anything going against his vision will likely affect his standing and prestige in the world. People of the island are though in continuous fear of emerging tensions.
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Beijing considers war as a constant risk to stability and on the same side, it doesn’t want itself to appear weak on the world stage by not reacting to Pelosi’s visit. Above all, the people of Taiwan are the only ones who have learned from the past crisis. However, the tensions signify the advent of another world war in the world where the US and China will play the role of global actors with a storyline of Taiwan.
The writer is a graduate of Political Science from Kinnaird College for Women University Lahore. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.