Amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the territorial dispute between China and Taiwan continues to escalate. The longstanding conflict dates back to the Chinese civil war in 1949, when the Kuomintang government retreated to Taiwan and established the Republic of China in exile. On the mainland, the Chinese Communist Party founded the People’s Republic of China, claiming Taiwan as a province under its jurisdiction.
Over the years, the international community has shifted recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, resulting in fewer than 15 states acknowledging Taiwan as a sovereign nation. Despite never having been ruled by the CCP, Taiwan has maintained de facto independence since the end of the civil war and has flourished into a flourishing democracy with free elections and media. President Tsai Ing-wen asserts Taiwan’s autonomy, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping continues to advocate for reunification.
Under Xi’s leadership, China has increased its military aggression around Taiwan, raising concerns of potential invasion. The People’s Liberation Army has conducted numerous military activities in the Taiwan Strait, including sending warplanes into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. These actions, although falling short of war, have heightened tensions in the region, prompting Taiwan to bolster its military capabilities in cooperation with the United States.
Amidst growing uncertainty, Taiwan is actively modernizing its military forces and acquiring advanced weaponry to deter any potential threats from China. The strategic partnership with the US plays a crucial role in safeguarding Taiwan’s security and sovereignty amid mounting pressure from Beijing. As the situation in the Taiwan Strait remains volatile, the international community closely monitors the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.