Contents
News: To counter the aggressive China policies, India should not repeat its mistake and work towards consolidating Taiwan’s position globally.
What China is doing to annex Taiwan?
China has taken many steps to annex Taiwan. It is now working to wipe its international identity by bribing Nations to break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China is vetoing Taiwan’s presence in international organizations. Today, only 13 Nations and Vatican City recognize Taiwan.
| Read here: Taiwan reports largest ever Chinese incursion |
But Lithuania has taken a bold step by allowing Taiwan to open its embassy. Other Nations like the Czech Republic, Poland are seeking to deepen ties with Taiwan.
Why China’s claim for Taiwan is not valid?
Taiwan was inhabited by Malayo-Polynesian tribes and had no ties with China until the island’s Dutch colonial rulers in the 17th century invited Chinese workers to emigrate. So, accordingly, Taiwan is closer to the Philippines than China.
What should Taiwan do to secure its place?
Taiwan needs to create greater international space for itself. This will enable it to get the status of a nation, making it difficult for China to seize the island like it did in Tibet and Xinjiang in 1949.
Also, Taiwan needs to strengthen its defences with anti-Ship and anti-aircraft missiles and increase the cost on the Chinese of any attempted invasion.
What is the significance of Taiwan for India?
Taiwan plays an important role in the defence of India, as it keeps a sizable portion of Chinese forces occupied.
| Read here: Hello Taiwan: New Delhi should boost ties with Taipei not just because of Chinese threat. There are other benefits |
Why and how India should help Taiwan?
India needs to learn from its mistakes in Tibet. India had opposed Tibet’s plea for a discussion in the UN and handed over telegraph and postal services to China. To help Taiwan, India must reinforce its defences.
| Read here: Confronting Xi: India should engage both the Dalai Lama and Taiwan |
India should follow Japan and USA in standing ties with Taiwan. It can also learn from Lithuania and allow Taiwan to rename its “Taipei Economic and Cultural Center” in New Delhi as the “Taiwanese Representative Office“. India should rebrand its own mission in Taipei as the “India Representative Office”.
| Read here: Potential opportunities in better India-Taiwan relations |
Taiwan is on the front line against Xi’s totalitarianism. Major democracies therefore must act to save Taiwan.
Source: This post is based on the article “India Must Give Taiwan A Helping Hand” published in The Times of India on 18th January 2022.
Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation Syllabus and Materials For Aspirants
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
