USA Playing with Fire
Editor's Note: The author is Executive Director of the Center for South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad and Regional Expert on China, BRI & CPEC. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of Gwadar Pro.
Despite repeated pleas from the Chinese government, the hawkish stance of Joe Biden's administration continues to provide military assistance to Taiwan, an integral part of mainland China for centuries. This action not only plays with fire, violating the One China Principle, but also disowns the three China-US joint communiqués.
It appears that the international power brokers are once again attempting to destabilize peace and stability in the Asia Pacific Region by provoking China on the Taiwan issue.
The so-called self-acclaimed champion of world peace, the US, has been selling arms to Taiwan, thereby heating up the region. This reflects the US and its allies' heavy engagement in a Zero-sum game theory, which will have serious spillover repercussions for the entire region in terms of peace, stability, integration, and prosperity in the days to come.
China's policymakers have expressed their serious concerns about the so-called Taiwan independence issue and highlighted the true historic, geopolitical, and geostrategic essence of the One-China Doctrine to the USA.
While President Biden has reiterated that the US's one-China policy has not and will not change, frequent visits of US Congress members, politicians, businessmen, and military personnel to Taiwan show double standards.
Unfortunately, the journey of political insanity persists, as US policymakers unnecessarily try to make castles in the air. Most recently, the Biden administration announced massive military aid assistance worth $345 million for the island of Taiwan, making it the first major military package from the US own stockpile. This move aims to help the island repel the Chinese mainland. Moreover, Congress authorized up to $1 billion worth of Presidential Drawdown Authority weapons aid for Taiwan in the 2023 budget.
The military package, seen as an attempt to undermine Beijing's legitimate position over the island and instigate conflict in Taiwan to contain China, includes defense articles, military education, and training. Experts fear that it would further escalate military tensions in the region, leading to an increase in military budgets of other regional countries.
The US government has intensified its efforts to weaponize the island under its "porcupine" plan. It has provided Taiwan with dangerous arsenals over the years, posing a direct confrontation with Beijing and threatening regional peace, order, and stability.
Additionally, the US has been assembling its partners in crime and conducting joint military exercises near China's doorstep, using Taiwan as a subject of these drills. These actions not only violate China's stance but also threaten global peace and security.
The insurgents of DPP (The Democratic Progressive Party) in Taiwan, insisting on the secessionist position of "Taiwan independence," are seeking independence by conspiring with the US. The Chinese government has firmly opposed the US provision of military assistance to the island, emphasizing that it turns Taiwan into an "ammunition depot" and aggravates the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait.
In conclusion, the Chinese government remains adamant that, despite the money spent by Taiwanese separatist forces and the weapons sent by the United States, China will continue to work towards solving the Taiwan issue and achieving the reunification of the motherland.
The US government should stay away from Taiwan and refrain from any arms supplies, political connectivity, or economic assistance. Respecting China's restraint in any military misadventure is essential, as it does not signify weakness.
