As one of the most developed states in the world, China tries to underpin its economic power politically with its proactive foreign policy; The Taiwan Question comes to the fore in its relations with the West. While the Beijing administration is building its approach to the island within the framework of the “One China Principle”; Western actors, on the other hand, are taking actions that will disturb Beijing through Taiwan, which is China’s soft belly.
In this context, Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM) brings to your attention the views of China expert Prof. Dr. Andrey Ostrovsky to evaluate the Taiwan policy of the Beijing administration.
- Taiwan is one of the hottest topics in world politics. How do you assess the situation in Taiwan?
The political situation in Taiwan seems to be one of the main topics of discussion in the Pacific. In this sense, China is dealing with serious problems. The main issue here is that the United States of America (USA) uses the Taiwan Question against China. However, it is remembered that the USA accepted Taiwan as a part of China with three agreements signed in 1979, 1982 and 1989. However, although the Americans promised that they would not supply weapons to Taiwan in these agreements, this remained on paper.
- Do you think that the direction of the USA is effective in the actions of decision makers in Taiwan?
The structure in Taiwan is politically controlled by the United States. This is despite your claim to independence. Even the European Union is influential. However, Taiwan is not the only example in the world in this regard.
- If you compare the economies of Taiwan and China, how would you interpret the developments?
Although the two sides were at similar points in 1950, today China is a much stronger economy than Taiwan as a result of its economic development. It is sufficient to look at this on the basis of gross domestic product (GDP). A similar situation applies to Hong Kong. While Hong Kong’s status is debated, China’s GDP is much more advanced. Moreover, China has the opportunity to deprive Hong Kong of fresh water. There were examples of this when Hong Kong was a British colony.
- What is the political difference of Taiwan from Hong Kong?
There is no dispute that Hong Kong is part of China. However, the laws enacted during the British colonial period are applied in the region. This situation actually makes Hong Kong the West’s gateway to China. Hong Kong youth are also making significant gains in this way. On the other hand, it should be emphasized that Hong Kong has a role to launder China’s money.
- Do you think a military intervention by China against Taiwan is feasible?
If Taiwan declares its independence, China will start a war. This has been announced. The most important foreign policy task for China is to return Taiwan to its homeland. But the USA does not allow this.
Andrei OSTROVSKY
Prof Dr. Andrei Ostrovsky is Head of the Chinese Economic and Social Research Center of the Far East Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
He graduated from Moscow State University in 1972. His specialty is Chinese political history. In 1976, he defended his doctoral thesis in Chinese on “The Place and Role of the Working Class in the Socio-Economic Structure of Chinese Society”. In 1991, he defended his second doctoral thesis on “World Economy and International Economic Relations”. He speaks native Chinese.
