China is creating a ‘new normal’ across the Strait in which the world now accepts the almost daily violation of Taiwan’s airspace. And Beijing continues to spread fake news about Taiwan. Despite the pandemic – or perhaps because of it – Chinese pressure on Taiwan’s international space has intensified. This was seen recently in another act of exclusion from UNESCO activities. The United States is reacting, but where is Europe’s voice? You can find more details in the news below.
China is creating a ‘new normal’ across the Strait in which the world now accepts the almost daily violation of Taiwan’s airspace. And Beijing continues to spread fake news about Taiwan. Despite the pandemic – or perhaps because of it – Chinese pressure on Taiwan’s international space has intensified. This was seen recently in another act of exclusion from UNESCO activities. The United States is reacting, but where is Europe’s voice? You can find more details in the news below.
As we all know that silence indicates consent. In this case, the world is consenting to China’s political pressure on Taiwan and China’s military violations of Taiwan’s airspace. If the EU and others continue to keep silent, it can only promote, slowly but surely, China’s efforts to take over Taiwan. This would not only change the military dynamics in the region, but it would be a major blow to our democratic values and the trust in our institutions.
EU’s silence is a surprise
The EU’s silence should be surprising because one of EU’s main political priorities when it comes to Taiwan and China is maintaining the status quo in cross-strait relations. The status quo includes continuation of Taiwan’s current geographic sovereignty, which is now being violated almost daily by China.
China needs to see a strong political signal from the EU. One response might be more direct flights between EU countries and Taiwan. And, perhaps, concrete progress in trade talks, support for WHA observer status, arms sales, and an increase in research and business cooperation and student exchange. This is just to name a few possible initiatives that demonstrate support for the status quo without calling into question the EU’s ‘One China’ policy. In these times, political promises are no longer enough. What is needed are visible results.
