Why a Recent Visit to Taiwan Matters
The way things have played out around Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan recently highlights, in very clear relief, the problems the West faces with the Chinese Communist Party. What is most noticeable is the nature of China’s reaction and the threats of violence. Put simply, that is not the behaviour of a pluralistic actor on the international stage and serves as a further warning to Western countries in particular as they seek to deal with China around trade, or any other topic.
China’s reaction is a very clear example of what is known as ‘coercive diplomacy’. It involves trade sanctions, diplomatic protests, and of course military aggression in response to something they do not like. Yes, they are also calling on the likes of the American Ambassador (a démarche) but this sits alongside the far more aggressive actions I have just mentioned. As I write, we see military drills, multiple incursions by CCP aircraft into Taiwanese airspace and possible missile tests.
Let’s be clear, China is very welcome to have a strong view with regards Taiwan. Their ‘One China’ policy is well known and one that New Zealand and other countries understand and acknowledge. Stressing this via diplomatic channels and media is the appropriate response; threatening behaviour is not.
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To quote the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: "Those who play with fire will not come to a good end and those who offend China will be punished." This is echoed by the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand who spoke of “[those who] are flagrantly playing with fire on the Taiwan question”.
Such statements and the naked aggression (be that via trade or military) that we are witnessing is a timely reminder that we are dealing with an autocratic communist state. While we can act with good faith and according to international norms, a CCP controlled China will always resort to threats when it doesn’t get its way.
This ultimately has implications for the likes of New Zealand and our allies. We must engage freely and openly with China, particularly around trade, but at what point do we draw lines and not allow our decisions to be coerced?
Major General (ret) German Army; Board Member Asia-Pacific Security Innovation Forum, New Zealand; Honorary Judge at Higher Administration Court Berlin, Germany
2yI couldn’t agree more Simon O'Connor . There is no place and no time for appeasement towards autocrats and dictators. We’ve waited far too long to draw red lines.
Strategic Sales Leader & Brand Evangelist
2yHigh time to re-visit the "One China Policy" from both a moral and strategic perspective, - as we see how the assimilation of Hong Kong has been handled (complete purging of their society, numerous of it's political, academic and religious leaders removed for "re-education"). NZ must have one serious case of rectal splinters with all the fence sitting we've been doing for the last 35 years on this (and many other issues), that the western alliance has championed. Besides the strong moral and common cultural (democratic supporting) reasons, - there are also pronounced economic security factors, in helping Taiwan safeguard it's independence, - with the Taiwanese manufacturing over 90% of the world's microchips (also a strong presence with precision engineering and pharmaceuticals). Do we want to allow the CCP (to yet) further invade / choke our supply chain? As a former NZDF member, I echo the sentiment that 'freedom isn't free' - there will always be a cost to doing the right thing. Though in this particular case, the impact would likely be in trade. Learn the lessons from 1938 and Neville Chamberlain, - oppressive, sociopathic Dictators can never be appeased to a just settlement. They see weakness and exploit.
Senior HR Business Partner-Team Leader
2yBut it's ok for China to waltz into the Pacific, interesting their reaction when the tables turn.
Historian
2yAn excellent commentary which distils the issues with great clarity. and which explores where the moral boundaries lie.