Hello Taiwan: New Delhi should boost ties with Taipei not just because of Chinese threat. There are other benefits

Synopsis: India should review its acceptance of the One China Policy and engage more with Taiwan for mutual benefits.

Introduction

China sent more than 100 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone over the weekend. The latest round of provocative manoeuvres began when China celebrating its 73rd national day. This is a clear threat to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific

Why there is more provocation in recent times?

China sees Taiwan as a renegade Chinese province ever since 1949 when Taiwan – officially Republic of China – was formed. But Taiwan, so far, has maintained a separate identity and evolved into a successful multiparty democracy.

Democratic Progressive Party came to power in Taiwan in 2016. They refused to accept China’s ‘One China’ policy. This is the recent trigger for the sustained Chinese military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan.

Why India and Taiwan should work together?

Both Taiwan and India are frontline Asian democratic states, facing Chinese aggression, targeted by Beijing’s grey-zone tactics. These tactics aim to provoke and intimidate, instead of all-out conflict. This should actually bring India and Taiwan closer.

Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy seeks to boost ties with South and Southeast Asian nations, including India. But the progress has been relatively slow, with the Indian side still cautious about boosting ties with Taiwan given Chinese sensitivities.

Why India should review its acceptance of the One China Policy?

India should review its acceptance of the One China policy for the following reasons,

Increased Chinese intrusions: After the Galwan valley clashes last year, repeated Chinese intrusions across the LAC are taking place.

Benefits from Taiwan: Boosting ties with Taiwan also has standalone benefits. It is a semiconductor powerhouse and reportedly bilateral talks are underway to bring chip manufacturing – a key strategic sector – to India.

Further, cooperation can also be achieved in green technology, IT, digital healthcare, and telecom with Taiwanese companies as they are looking to relocate their operations from China.

So, embracing Taiwan for the strategic and economic interests of India will elevate ties between both.

Terms to know:

• One China Policy

Source: This post is based on the article “Hello Taiwan: New Delhi should boost ties with Taipei not just because of Chinese threat. There are other benefits” published in Times of India on 4th October 2021.