Kuomintang: The only party capable of maintaining a US-China-Taiwan trilateral balance
Kuomintang: The only party capable of maintaining a
US-China-Taiwan trilateral balance
WRITTEN BY ERIC CHU
24 September 2021
Despite its great scientific achievements, public health success, and social justice, Taiwan’s geopolitical situation remains tenuous: fundamental freedoms that ensured citizens can thrive economically, politically and socially during globalisation are under threat by a multitude of external and internal threats. Over the past five years under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, the world has paid growing attention to Taiwan, raising concerns and even existential questions about its future. In the midst of such global attention and growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, it is Taiwanese citizens who carry the weight of the tensions most.
Taiwan’s domestic and external aspirations and behaviour are heavily influenced by geography, military capability, global economy, and domestic politics. Taiwan must often make foreign policy choices catering to the perceived priorities of its roaring democratic processes at home. With the country at the crux of US-China relations, political leaders in Taiwan have a great responsibility to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait with the best interests of all stakeholders in mind, and not be intimidated by the risk of war. This requires a strategic vision for Taiwan that seeks to turn it into a responsible, reliable and more visible stakeholder on the world stage.
US and Taiwan, trusted allies
First, Taiwan must value and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Taiwan can serve as a bulwark against illiberal authoritarianism and continue to be a beacon for liberal democracy in Asia. In areas of strategic interests and of collective security concerns such as semiconductor supply chains, it is mutually beneficial for Taiwan and the US to broaden and deepen cooperation. On vaccines and other public health-related issues, Taiwan has the talent, capacity and eagerness to be part of global strategic initiatives and contribute to the greater good of the world.
Many in Taiwan point to the sorry sight of Afghanistan and draw pessimistic conclusions about the country’s future. The idea that Taiwan would be overrun by hostile regimes while the world stood idly by, and asked: “Who lost Taiwan?”, all these questions, even if they might seek to add to the already complex situation, must be properly addressed.
Many examples have shown that after the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, the relationship between the United States and Taiwan has never been stronger. Ties go back to World War II. To compare Afghanistan and Taiwan is to overly sensationalise the challenges the US and Taiwan have had to deal with and are meant to instil fear and uncertainty for political gain.
Taiwan and the United States remain enduring and committed security partners. The circumstances of the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East are vastly different. Taiwan has its own defence capabilities, supported by the different visions and strategies of Taiwans’ political actors, including the KMT, which supports an asymmetric defence policy with an overall strategy. It also supports the necessary military transformation that enables Taiwan to defend itself without external assistance. Taiwan does not, and should not, implement a defence policy financed by a blank cheque endorsed by external partners.
Second, Taiwan’s Cross-Strait policy should be centred around the rationale to strive for consensus, respect differences, work towards co-existence and reciprocal prosperity (求同尊異，共存互利) between Taiwan and Mainland China. The country’s leadership should seek to establish a constructive relationship with Mainland China along these lines, and work towards resolving our historical differences in time. It is crucial to operate with long-term strategic coherence and avoid frivolously putting the lives of the 23 million Taiwanese people at risk. Restarting dialogue is necessary to achieve peace and stability through diplomatic means, seek mutual benefits with practical dignity, and implement sustainable policies that emphasise people’s well-being.
Discrepancies exist in the attitude towards Mainland China between policymakers on K Street, financiers on Wall Street, and business leaders on Main Street, where investment and commercial opportunities might prevail over complex geopolitical security concerns. A balanced view must prevail concerning Mainland China. A prudent response is key to avoid future conflict. While countries pursue their national interests, it is important to ensure predictability, transparency and mutual understanding and acknowledge the differences that must be overcome.
As the ancient Chinese wisdom goes, threat and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. Taiwan stands with fellow democracies in providing stability, peace, and opportunity to all our citizens. Taiwan also continues to contribute to the global society and contribute to the benefit of all.
Connect Taiwan to the world
Taiwan is one of the most crucial linchpins in US-China relations. While great power politics might cast Taiwan aside as a pawn on the grand chessboard, remaining silent is not in the best interest of any of the parties involved. While the threat of further isolation is real, Taiwan is committed to contributing to the global community.
Taiwan must be seen as a democracy and a trusted ally in the Indo-Pacific. As a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan has the quality and quantity to supply the world, unfettered by sanctions and punitive measures. Its top-tier scientific and medical advancements have kept society safe and healthy in the face of COVID-19, and its people are poised to contribute with their knowledge if they are given a chance. Taiwan’s vaccines developed transparently and to global standards, as well as its vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a vital asset to the global arsenal against COVID.
As conflict rages around the world and political divisions continue to drive nations apart, Taiwan’s political leadership must emphasise bipartisanship and cooperation for mutual benefit while also being able to stand up for the country’s principles: looking for commonalities while respecting differences. With continued uncertainty in the global economy and geopolitical instability, Taiwan must stand with its like-minded partners to jointly provide stability and peace.
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of the 9DASHLINE.com platform.
Author biography
Eric Chu is the former Kuomintang Chairman. Image credit: Flickr/Isen Majennt.