Jackson Norman

ENG 1201
Prof. Leptak-Morea

Cross-Straight Tensions

Light versus dark, good versus evil, Communism versus democracy. This situation is

similar to that between China and Taiwan. Over the last 70 years, these two have gone back and

forth over policy, sovereignty, and fundamental human rights. It has gone as far as to tie the

United States into the mix. I chose this topic because it is imperative to be well versed in this

subject as a potential conflict could change our very way of life.

I believe that The United States should (if it comes to it) defend Taiwan against China.

There is no condoning violence, but we must have precautions at the ready if we end up needing

to fall back on them. The following paragraphs will dive deeper into the reasoning for my

opinion. Thinking about the conflict, I aim to make you reconsider.

The problem originated in the early 20th century when China had its civil war. The

outcome was the communist's victory over their small democratic opposers. So, in a final effort,

the rebels and their leader retreated and formed what is now known as Taiwan. They would

eventually put in place a system of democracy like the United States.

 The chart above shows the political makeup of the citizens of Taiwan. These statistics

illustrate the people's wants for independence or unification towards the PRC (Peoples Republic

of China). A staggering 61% of the Democratic Progressive Party is for extreme independence.

And do not want any ties to mainland China. In comparison, the New Power Party only has

about a 5.4% who do not wish for unification. So, with this figure, we can see there is a tear in

what the population of Taiwan wants.

I want to emphasize what the United States' role is in this matter. We have become the

mediators between the two, and for exceptional reasons. Taiwan is an ally of the United States

and has been since its formation. Due to the United States' idea of containment to prevent the

spread of communism through the cold war. On top of that, Taiwan is the largest global producer

of micro-electronics. That includes microchips, USB drives, hard drives, and routers. Plus home

to some of the biggest electronics companies in the world like Acer and ASUS. The United

States relies heavily on them for most of its electronic needs. As well as China has become an
increasing threat to American democracy as its sphere of communist influence has grown. “Over

the years, the US has maintained some kind of strategic ambiguity concerning its role in a

potential military conflict in the Taiwan Strait.” (TY Wang, 188). Because China is approaching

what we deem sacred, it is vital that the United States stands its ground and sends the message

that we will not let meddling.

Next, During President Trump's four years in office, crucial headway has been made

towards a peaceful resolution between the two. Both China and Taiwan have been hesitant to

compromise over fear of lost liberties that they deem essential. More importantly, Taiwan is

afraid they will lose all independence and fall back under the rule of communist China they do

not want. Trump was the first president to take aside. In comparison to Obama, Bush, and

Clinton. China's aggression has been consistent over the last 50 years. In March of 1996, The

PRC conducted a plethora of missile tests in the Chinese straight. There was an attempt to scare

the Chinese people in Taiwan to give up their independence and succumb to China. (Hungdah,

256) There was a flashpoint when word reached the United States of Taiwan fearing conquest by

China, active president Clinton sent two fleets of United States Navy warships to the straight to

de-escalate the situation. I can understand the citizens of Taiwan's fears as "China has fired six

missiles in the direction of Taiwan to scare them into cooperation. But as soon as the United

States caught wind of this, China stated they were only military training and not intended to head

towards Taiwan." (Boon, 1495). The same article also covers why the United States' involvement

is vital from a safety and preparedness standpoint. "Being and involved has allowed the US to

strategize possible war game plans if conflict ever erupted.” (Boon, 1499).
 Another topic of importance in this is that the United States was appointed to mediate

negotiations between the two. We can ensure that terms are fair and that both countries are

mainly positive outcomes. “Leaders from both Taiwan and Mainland China agree that if they

were to agree, it would be a historic moment for the two." (Zagoria, 304). Since we are included,

it is vital to keep our eyes on the prize, which is a peaceful resolution. It has gone on for too

long. For the betterment of all parties involved, we need to compromise and figure this out. We

also must keep in mind what both China and Taiwan are thinking. In all seriousness, this is their

issue. So, they are the ones who need to feel comfortable with the deal.

(Image by Kyoko Nemoto, Taiwan caught in US-China diplomatic affairs)

A big issue for Taiwan has been China’s numerous attempts at cyberespionage. On the

other hand, a topic to see as a uniting factor is North Korea's growing presence and possible
possession of nuclear weapons. That is dangerous considering their proximity to North Korea.

“U.S.-China relations have developed steadily since President Nixon's groundbreaking visit to

China over forty years ago and are generally stable today. Yet this next United States President

will face both challenges and opportunities with Beijing. Recent indications are that bilateral

cooperation on North Korea's nuclear threat can become positive, while tensions in the South

China Sea are less promising. Perceived Chinese cyberespionage, Taiwan, and economic

frictions will all need taking carefully. The next American leader will want to continue the

constructive engagement that has characterized past bilateral ties' while speaking out frankly

when the two sides differ, such as human rights. Experience has shown that Beijing and

Washington can manage their differences and highlight commonalities in what many see as the

single most important bilateral relationship in the world today." (Young, 264). That means that

President Biden is going to need to be on his game coming into office. To ensure we can keep

things calm, cool, and collected. It is reassuring to hear that Bejing and Washington have worked

well in the past. That gives me hope that it'll be a push in the process. We have managed to

make it this far without physical conflict. Why not just finish it off?

I can understand why some would oppose American intervention, thinking that "It isn't our

problem, why should we worry about it”? That is without a doubt our problem because Taiwan is

an ally and a trade partner to us. We need the resources they bring to the table is what makes this

so important. It is not in our countries best interest to turn a cold shoulder to what is happening.

In the blink of an eye, it could change our entire world. I believe that is the hardest part about

understanding world politics because whatever is happening is not happening directly to you,

may not care to you. It is this kind of attitude that leads to less educated world citizens.
 The main point that I wanted to hammer with this paper was finding a resolution. So, two

of the sources I looked at are centered around finding workable solutions. So, another article

found covered the current covenant that is in the drafting phase. A covenant is an agreement.

When this same covenant but completed, leaders from both countries are looking forward to

signing and bringing the tension to a close. "The United States should urge the PRC to ratify the

covenant as soon as possible. After its ratification, the PRC must urge to implement the

Covenants provisions so the human rights issue can be resolved with the United States according

to the Covenant. "After this Covenant implements in the Chinese mainland, there is no reason for

the majority of the Chinese people in Taiwan to reject unification." (Hungdah, 255). The author

of this journal was advocating for the United States to have the PRC sign and ratify this

document as soon as possible. Even citizens are looking forward to a peaceful future.

In Conclusion, The United States should come to the defense of Taiwan against China.

After looking at sources we can see that there have been multiple flashpoints where things could

have turned south quickly. As Americans, we will always favor democracy over communism

which is really what this situation is. Would you rather have a larger communist nation engulf a

small democratic state, or would you rather see them work cooperatively and achieve together,

even if there is no acceptance on different sides of politics? I hope to see this Covenant follow

through and put to rest this rivalry. The world would be a much safer and happier place if this got

settled as soon as possible.

 Sources:

Boon, Hoo Tiang, and Hannah Elyse Sworn. “Strategic Ambiguity and the Trumpian Approach
to China–Taiwan Relations.” International Affairs, vol. 96, no. 6, Nov. 2020, pp. 1487–
1508. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1093/ia/iiaa160.

Hungdah Chiu. “Chapter 14 FUTURE PROSPECTS OF U.S.-TAIWAN-CHINA

RELATIONS.” Maryland Series in Contemporary Asian Studies, vol. 2014, no. 3, Dec.
2014, pp. 255–257. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=poh&AN=103215252&site=eds-live.

Wang, T. Y., and John Fuh-sheng Hsieh. “Continuity and Change in the US–China–Taiwan
Relations.” Journal of Asian & African Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.), vol. 55, no. 2,
Mar. 2020, pp. 187–200. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/0021909620905051.

Writer, Staff. “Taiwan Caught in US-China Diplomatic Crossfire.” Nikkei Asia, Nikkei Asia, 20
Nov. 2018, https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-Insight/Taiwan-caught-in-US-China-
diplomatic-crossfire.

Young, Stephen M. “U.S.–China Relations.” American Foreign Policy Interests, vol. 37, no. 5/6,
Sept. 2015, pp. 264–272. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/10803920.2015.1162064.

Zagoria, DonaldS. “Prospects for Stabilizing U.S.-China-Taiwan Relations.” American Foreign

Policy Interests, vol. 30, no. 5, Sept. 2008, pp. 304–309. EBSCOhost,
doi:10.1080/10803920802435336.