The split between Beijing and Taiwan is rooted in China’s civil war. The Chinese Communist Party under Mao Zedong emerged victorious from the more than 20-year military conflict (1927 to 1949) over political leadership in the country.
The leader of the defeated, nationalist Kuomintang party, Chiang Kai-shek, then defected to Taiwan. From there he continued to claim all of China. Conversely, China continued to claim Taiwan as part of its territory, which would one day be reclaimed.
Taiwan’s official designation is Republic of China, as opposed to China’s official name as the People’s Republic of China. For years, both sides have maintained that they continue to formally represent all of China, even though the political landscape has changed significantly over the decades.
Since the late 1990s, Taiwan has evolved from an autocracy into a vibrant democracy with a distinct Taiwanese identity. The current ruling party, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, regards the island as a sovereign nation – and independent of China.
US pursuing “strategic ambiguity”
Washington formally broke off relations with Taiwan in 1979 when it recognized Beijing as the sole representative of China (One China Policy) and the Chinese heartland became an important trading partner for the United States.
At the same time, the US played a crucial, at times delicate, role in supporting Taiwan. For example, the United States is required by law to supply Taiwan with military equipment to ensure Taipei’s defense capability.
Washington reserves a “strategic ambiguity” as to whether it would actually intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese invasion. This is intended to deter China from a possible invasion while preventing Taiwan from formally declaring its independence. (afp)