Ever since China and Taiwan split up in 1949, there has been no end to the hostility between them. China still refuses to recognize Taiwan as a separate nation and has even gone to as far as to threaten Taiwan with military attacks, should it ever declare its independence. On the other hand, Taiwan has persistently tried to break away from the shadows of Beijing and has tried, without success, to secure United Nations membership.
Peace talks between China and Taiwan have been hard to come across and this owes much to the disagreement of the two parties over the singlemost matter of independence. Taiwan is ready to discuss and negotiate with China on peace deals, but the Chinese Communist government wants Taiwan to relinquish, officially, its long desire for complete independence.
Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian is skeptical about China’s peace negotiations. China is reported to have several missiles targeted on Taiwanese military as well as civilian camps. Under such extreme hostility, with the international community yet to come to a proper decision, any diplomatic talk would crumble in no time. President Shui-bian has dismissed any talk of reunion with China, infuriating Beijing even more.
Chinese President Hu Jintao wants Taiwan to embrace the one-China principle, which would essentially imply that Taiwan accepts the rule of China. But Taiwan has been gradually marching forward in terms of economic prosperity and integrity. Most of the people in Taiwan are against the domination of China, though, the notion could be challenged during Taiwan’s Presidential elections in March next year.
At the moment there appears to be no agreement between China and Taiwan. The United Nations still refuses to provide, the latter, the status of a State and the United States harbors only trade relationship with it. Taiwan’s path towards complete independence is long and winding and there will be several bumps on the way too.
Image Source: El Pais
Source: International Herald Tribune
