Navigating the Taiwan Strait: An Analysis of Us-China Relations

Abstract

The US-China relationship is complicated due to the Taiwan issue. Due to the island’s strategic significance, it appears to be a recurring problem when discussing the broader US-China relationship. Taiwan holds immense significance for China as the reunification of the mainland is a critical national interest supporting the one country, two systems narrative.1 Moreover, the unification of Taiwan with China is a testament to their return to the glorious days of imperial China. The strict policy of China regarding Taiwan is also to protect it from foreign influence and to safeguard Chinese interests. In contrast, substantial arms are provided to the Taiwan Strait by the United States on account of the Taiwan Relations Act. This support for Taiwan is not recent and dates to the Cold War era.2 In the fight against China's growing influence and for the protection of democratic rights, the United States considers Taiwan as an essential partner. With the rising economic competition between the two states, the threat of declining US power and the assertive policies of China according to Western states have driven their more active policy towards Taiwan in recent years. Taiwan has gone to great lengths over the years to mend fences with the Chinese mainland. However, the threat of military invasion by China compelled the state to strengthen its capabilities with the help of the US. The public sentiment in Taiwan supports the status quo, advocating for peaceful coexistence rather than confrontation with China. However, public opposition to unification on the grounds of Taiwan's unique identity has strained relations with China. In recent years, the United States has shifted its focus on the Indo-Pacific region because of its enduring significance and to strengthen its influence opposite to China. It is critical to comprehend US-China relations, as the two great powers shape the wider geopolitical landscape. Any conflict or confrontation between the two states can have widescale repercussions. While various factors influence the behavior of the two states, the Taiwan conundrum has enduring significance. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes and lay out prospects for US-China relations and the role of Taiwan.