Madrid (EFE).- The tensions between China and Taiwan are once again making headlines. Every rapprochement between the island and the United States causes China to react. The latest chapter in this escalation took place when the Taiwanese president, Tsa Ing-wen, and the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, met in California on April 5.
In retaliation, China has simulated military maneuvers aimed at blockading the island. Numerous destroyers and frigates have carried out patrol missions and combat drills and rehearsed assaulting fleeing hostile vessels.
The Chinese Army spokesman has stated that the forces are “ready to resolutely crush any form of separatism and attempts at foreign interference.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan has begun its annual Han Kuang military exercises, which are week-long and simulate an enemy invasion.
The historical origin of hostilities
China and Taiwan have a shared history. In 1949, following the Chinese civil war, the Communist Party of China seized control of the mainland and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The previous government, the Kuomintang (KMT), withdrew to the island of Taiwan and established the Republic of China (ROC), the name the country took before the victory of the communists.
Both parties claim to be the legitimate representative of China, which has led to tensions and conflicts.
China has since regarded Taiwan as a renegade province and an “inalienable party” that will eventually return to Beijing’s control. It seeks reunification under the “one China” principle, which establishes that Taiwan is part of it. Beijing has pushed internationally politically and diplomatically to isolate Taiwan and limit its participation in international organizations.
The role of the United States
This tension between Beijing and Taipei has always been linked to the equally difficult relationship between Beijing and Washington.
Historically, the United States has provided support to Taiwan in the political, economic, and security arenas. In World War II, the US was an ally of the Kuomintang and did not recognize the legitimacy of the communist government in China.
The member countries of the UN recognized in 1971 the legitimacy of the People’s Republic, including its permanent seat in the Security Council, which until then was occupied by Taipei.
At the height of the Cold War, in 1979, the United States, in a rapprochement with China, formalized relations between Washington and Beijing and moved the embassy from Taipei to Beijing.
Even so, this did not mean a break in relations with Taiwan, an island with which the United States continued to maintain commercial and military relations.
In the security realm, the United States has supplied weapons and military equipment to Taiwan to help in its defense and maintain a balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. This has been the subject of tensions with China.
The visit that fueled the tension
Last August 2022, one of the most tense moments in relations between China and the United States was experienced. It happened when Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, visited the island. Pelosi landed in Taiwan as part of her Asia tour. China issued strong warnings over the trip, saying some US politicians were “playing with fire.” It was the first time in 25 years that a Speaker of the House of Representatives had visited the island.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry then promised to take “resolute and forceful action” if they went ahead with the trip.
Which countries recognize Taiwan?
Only thirteen countries around the world recognize Taiwan as an independent state. In America they are Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; in Africa the only exception is Swaziland; in Europe only Vatican City recognizes it; and in Oceania the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu.
The last country that has abandoned diplomatic recognition of Taiwan is Honduras, when President Xiomara Castro announced that they were going to establish official relations with China. The move came after the government announced that it was negotiating with Beijing to build a hydroelectric plant, Patuca II.
However, the United States is not the only one that maintains unofficial relations with the island. Taiwan has relations with the European Union and with other countries that recognize the People’s Republic of China.
But what status does Taiwan have?
For the PRC, Taiwan is a breakaway province, an “inalienable part”, which will one day return to Beijing’s control.
Even so, Taiwan has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders and some 300,000 active troops in its armed forces. In addition, he held a seat on the UN Security Council for 22 years, until the United Nations transferred diplomatic recognition to Beijing.