Washington views Taiwan as a bastion of democracy next to autocratic mainland China and a strategic foothold important for a peaceful Asia-Pacific. Though, like most other countries, it does not see it as an independent state.
Beijing sees Taiwan as its own and the issue of Taiwan as a red line that must not be crossed or interfered with by foreign parties.
Why is Taiwan’s location important?
Taiwan is near the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. They link northeast Asia with the Middle East and Europe, allowing the trade of food, energy sources, natural resources and consumer goods. Experts have argued a conflict in the area would seriously disrupt global trade and drive up prices.
Beijing sees the island chain strategy as a way to contain mainland China. The PLA has been trying to defy the island chain’s limits with new transport planes, strategic bombers, aircraft carriers and cruise and ballistic missiles that can strike a target more than 1,000km (621 miles) away.
Why does Beijing want Taiwan under direct control?
The Qing dynasty, the last imperial Chinese dynasty, ceded Taiwan to Japan in 1895 after losing a war. In 1945, the KMT, which ruled China at the time, gained control of Taiwan after Japan was defeated in World War II. The KMT moved its capital to Taiwan after losing the civil war to the Communist Party on the mainland in 1949.
Who is running in Taiwan’s presidential race and what does it mean for Beijing?
Who is running in Taiwan’s presidential race and what does it mean for Beijing?
In Beijing’s narrative, mainland China and Taiwan were separated because of “a weak nation”, an issue that would be “resolved” when “rejuvenation” is achieved. The issue is considered a core question for the Communist Party’s legitimacy, as it has often cited fulfilling “the wishes of 1.4 billion Chinese people” as a reason to unify Taiwan and the mainland.
And in that narrative Washington becomes the prime target of what senior Chinese officials, including Xi, refer to as “external forces” meddling on the issue.
What is the US’ relationship with Taiwan?
The US is also opposed to unilateral changes to the status quo.
The US sees Taiwan as one of its “like-minded partners” in Asia. It also supports Taiwan’s participation in international organisations, often to the dismay of Beijing, which has accused the island’s ruling DPP of “using the US to push for independence”.
Why is Taiwan’s chip industry important?
This puts Taiwan at the centre of US-China tech competition and creates an interest for other countries to ensure that Taiwan – which supplies more than half the world’s semiconductor chips – is not involved in a war.
Mainland China reporters on short-term stay ‘can only observe’ Taiwan elections
Mainland China reporters on short-term stay ‘can only observe’ Taiwan elections
The US government is giving tax credits and incentives to companies to make chips in the US and allied countries to ensure long-term American leadership in advanced chip technologies.