World

APD | Positive vibes are coming from Taiwan

2022-10-12 15:58 BY APD NEWS

Author:  Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

A visible change in the tone of Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen was witnessed in her speech on the occasion of the national day. She reiterated her willingness to talk to Beijing, and said, to applause, that her government looked forward to the gradual post-pandemic resumption of healthy and orderly people-to-people exchanges across the strait, which would ease tensions. She expressed that war between Taiwan and China is "absolutely not an option." Any conflict over Taiwan could drag in the United States, Japan, and perhaps much of the world, as well as shatter the global economy, especially given Taiwan's dominant position as a maker of semiconductors used in everything from smartphones and tablets to fighter jets.

Such remarks come up just a week before the 20th National Congress of CPC is going to be held on 16-22 October 2022. National Congress is the highest level of policy and decision-making body in the Chinese political and governance system. Major decisions are expected, which might impact not only China and Taiwan but the whole region or global order.

China was having a lenient stance on Taiwan and was tolerating a lot, but, the meddling of the US in the domestic affairs of Taiwan, especially after the visit of Nancy Pelosi and approval of advanced weapons and defense technologies to Taiwan, has upset Beijing.

Great leader Mr. Deng Xiao Ping introduced an innovative theory of “One country two systems” to manage the takeover of Hong Kong and Macao. The successfully gaining sovereignty over Hong Kong and Maco has paved way for Taiwan’s reunification. China has demonstrated to extend the highest degree of autonomy of Hong Kong and Maco, keeping the traditional system intact even after taking over the two regions. China has invested heavily in the infrastructure developments of Hong Kong and Maco, leading to rapid developments of both on a fast track. Prosperity, stability, and developments are the fruits of Chinese initiatives.

Although there are a few elements promoting the “independence of Taiwan”, but, they are too few and practically ineffective. The vast majority is either neutral or favors reunification. If the US interference ends, the reunification may accelerate.

As a matter of fact, the US is not sincere with Taiwan, but, due to its anti-China craze, is instigating Taiwan. The objective of American involvement in Taiwan is to contain China, counter China, and resist China’s rise. The goal of the US is to harm China, to bleed China, to engage China, and create hurdles in the rise of China.

Elon Musk in a recent interview also shared some of his thoughts on a potential peace plan between China and Taiwan. The plan was met with positive reactions from Beijing.

“My recommendation… would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won’t make everyone happy. And it’s possible, and I think probably, in fact, that they could have an arrangement that’s more lenient than Hong Kong,” Musk said.

His proposal carries a rational and strong logic. As a matter of fact, the reunification of Taiwan is inevitable, and the sooner the better. External interference may complicate the situation only and may not serve anyone’s interests. Let, Beijing and Taipei, start a dialogue and reach a reasonable solution beneficial to both sides. Existing tension must be diffused to promote peace and stability in the whole region. Enabling and conducive environments must be provided for healthy Economic activities, leading toward the prosperity of the whole region.

I believe how China has handled Hong Kong and Macao can satisfy the people of Taiwan. It is expected that China will apply a similar approach to Hong Kong and Maco, in Taiwan to invest in infrastructure, keep law and order under control, protect citizens, and fight against criminals. It will help Taiwan to focus only on economic activities, innovation, and the advancement of technology. The common people in Taiwan will prosper after reunification.

The leadership in Beijing is smart, mature, and sensible, and is fully aware of the sensitivity of the issue. China is capable of handling it conveniently. It is the Chinese dream and reunification, sooner or later, has to happen.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)