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My Take | Taiwan was never in ‘a state of nature’
- Despite the unfounded claim of the island’s ‘undetermined status’ favoured by some US hardliners and island secessionists, it has always been the case that it’s either the Republic of China or part of the People’s Republic of China
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Why you can trust SCMP
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It’s that old rabbit hat trick again. Commenting on the latest meeting between American and Taiwanese officials held in Taipei, the US State Department said at the weekend that there was no barrier to expanding the island’s role in global affairs under international law.
This is especially the case for Taiwan to take part in the United Nations and other international institutions.
Really? Should Taiwan be allowed to take part in global agencies in which only recognised states may participate?
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While the State Department this time only mentioned “meaningful” participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization as examples, the rationale reportedly cited by US officials went considerably beyond this limited claim.
There may be a good argument that Taiwan should regain an observer status at the WHO, as it did when the Kuomintang was in power, with Beijing’s support.
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If so, then as a good-faith gesture, Washington should encourage Taipei and Beijing to cooperate. But clearly, that’s not the intention. Rather, it’s a US ploy to drive a wedge between the two sides, that is, another item on its – and the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) – endless list of provocations.
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