By Saidu Abubakar, PhD
Introduction
The seminar organised at the China Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 14 with the theme “The One-China Principle provides a convenient opportunity to examine the success (or otherwise) of the efforts being by the People’s Republic of China towards its reunification with Taiwan.
Basically, the One-China Principle states that “there is only one sovereign state called China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.”
It went on to add that the Peoples Republic of China is “the sole legal government representing all of China” and that “Taiwan belongs to the People’s Republic of China.
The One-China Principle therefore categorically opposes the one China, one Taiwan or the two Chinas, in whatever guise or shade it might take.
This necessitates another look at how China has fared thus far in achieving the reunification goal and what changes, apparent or implied, that still need to be addressed to achieve this important national objective of the People’s Republic of China. It is important to state that while efforts were made to refer to official Chinese sources and/or internationally recognised writers on Chinese affairs, the views and argument expressed in this write-up represent that of the author.
Historical Similitudes to the China-Taiwan Scenario
The history of the world is replete with examples of countries and communities that were once living harmoniously/together but became separated due to internal civil wars, conquest by foreign forces, or due to a combination of these and other factors. Examples of countries that were separated but later reunited include Vietnam, which was separated into North and South Vietnam from 1954 – 1975. In 1975, however, the North and South Vietnam were reunited. Another Example is Yemen which experienced its civil war between 1962-1990 which somehow managed to achieve some reunion in 1990. Yet, another example is Germany which was split into East and West Germany but which was reunited following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990.
There are also countries that were separated due to internal wars, foreign interventions or deep-rooted incompatibilities but which failed to achieve reunification. Instead, they got divided and new countries formed along sub national, ethnic, religious and other interests/peculiarities. Among countries that fall into this category was the former Yugoslavia which broke into 6 counties which include Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Macedonia. There is also the case of India and Pakistan in 1947 and later Bangladesh in 1971 which have all become separate countries. There is also the case of Sudan and South Sudan which had their running civil wars between 1955 to 1971 and 1983 to 2005 and eventually broke up in the year 2011 to form Sudan and South Sudan.
The Case of the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan
The case of the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan represents an interesting scenario. For several generations and dynasties, Taiwan has been an integral part of the People’s Republic of China. From as far back as 1,700 years ago, historical sources on Chinese History clearly have well documented references of Taiwan being part of the People’s Republic of China. This included the period of the three Kingdoms and the later dynasties including the Sung, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties
However, following the first Sino and Japanese war of 1895 when Japan defeated China, it forced the Qing government to sign a treaty which ceded Taiwan to Japan. This colonial suzerainty by Japan over Taiwan continued up to the end of the Second World War when Japan was defeated by the Allied Forces. Both the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation which were made after the Second World, restored Chinese control over Taiwan.
This long-shared history between the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan makes the case for their reunification more logical and compelling for many reasons. First of all, as we have seen from the examples above, countries that share long history of staying together as entities with linguistic, cultural and social similarities ended up reuniting in spite of separation – whether imposed on them (as the case of Germany) – or due internal disagreements among their leaders (e.g., Yemen). The shared similarities in culture, history, language and social affinities tend to serve as pull factors towards eventual reunification.
Secondly, it is also important to point out that the growing political and economic dominance of the Peoples Republic of China coupled with its increasing military, technological and scientific developments (which are endearing it to many countries of the world), will definitely lead to stronger relationships between them. Already, the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan enjoy very strong trading relations and in the area of educational and socio-cultural exchanges.
Thirdly and very importantly too, the Peoples Republic of China and especially through the One-China Principle is deliberately and consistently doing everything it takes to see to the eventual reunification with Taiwan. This consistent demonstration of commitment and true conviction to see to eventual reunification has already led to over 180 countries around the world accepting the One-China Principle which among others, means not recognising Taiwan as sovereign entity, and refusal to establish ambassadorial relationship with Taiwan.
Finally, the readiness of the People’s Republic of China to take military action, if need be, clearly demonstrates the importance of getting Taiwan back to the mainland using all options. It is however worth noting that while China has never taken the military option off the table, thus far, it has not used it, indicating that their preferred option is to get Taiwan back through all peaceful means possible.
Factors Prolonging the Reunification of the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan
One of the main factors prolonging the reunification of the PRC and Taiwan is the consistent involvement of foreign interest especially the United States and some European countries in Taiwan. While most countries of the world – including the United States – do not establish diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, they still maintain some consular services and maintain huge military, trade and investment relationships with Taiwan. These trade, military and investment relations not only give Taiwan a breezing space but the needed pillars to continue to ignore the need for the reunification.
Other factors that contribute to prolong reunification efforts are the differences in political systems between the mainland and Taiwan. Years of political, economic and other forms of relations with the West have created attachment for many Taiwanese to the Western democratic ideals which is currently serving as a push factor towards re-adopting the existing political system and structure obtaining in the mainland.
Conclusion
From the brief discussion above, the following can be inferred. The first point is that the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan have a very long shared history running close to two thousand years and sharing a lot in common in terms of language, culture, social, economic and political characteristics. Thus, it is more plausible to argue that the commonalities between the two outweigh their differences – as was the case of East and West Germany, as well as, North and South Vietnam – thereby suggesting a strong tendency towards reunification rather going their separate ways as was the case with Yugoslavia and Sudan.
A second very important point is the unwavering commitment of the Peoples Republic of China to achieve the reunification through peaceful/diplomatic means rather than invoking the use of force which though still remains among the options but which it has refused to use for several decades now. Perhaps this subtle brotherly approach over the years brought about the increasing high volume of trade, educational and socio-cultural exchanges between them.
Finally, all these factors taken together seem to point at one direction only, that the reunification of the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan is inevitable. It is not a matter of whether it will happen but when will it eventually happen.
Dr. Saidu Abubakar, Analyst and General Manager, Citizenship Daily Newspaper is reachable via:
drsaiduabubakar@gmail.com
