What does it mean if Micronesia switches its perception from China to Taiwan?

Commonwealth The report says it has met with Taiwanese representatives about switching diplomatic recognition. If this happens, the Pacific island nation would be Taiwan’s first ally since the end of the so-called “diplomatic ceasefire” in 2008. During this time, eight countries cut ties with Taiwan in favor of China. Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Kiribati, Nicaragua, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands.

Honduras also pledged allegiance to China this week, leaving Belize and Guatemala as Taiwan’s only two diplomatic partners in Central America. Taiwan once had formal ties with all seven of her countries in the region.

How does a possible change of perception fit into Taiwan’s broader diplomatic efforts? I have written extensively on the reasons for recognizing Taiwan.my international research, available and highlights Taiwan’s challenges.

In the 1960s, Taiwan used economic incentives as part of its strategy to maintain, if not expand, formal diplomatic relations. Critics often deride Taiwan’s extensive international aid package as “checkbook diplomacy” and foster wastefulness and corruption. Taiwan cannot afford to win against China, nor does it want to start a bidding war. for your own benefit. Also, Taiwan cannot consistently appeal on broader economic terms because the Chinese market and investments from China typically outweigh Taiwan’s potential efforts. My research shows that countries with limited exports are more likely to be approved, and Taiwan’s aid packages are often aimed at economic development, giving these countries a greater incentive to switch approvals to China later on. Danger.

That said, some countries clearly believe that it is in their best interests to maintain ties with Taiwan or view Taiwan as a viable alternative to China. If economic arguments fall short, Taiwan must find other avenues to appeal to formal diplomatic partners. One option was to frame relations with Taiwan as support for fellow democracies. Concerns about China’s influence and its failure to deliver on its economic promises are working in Taiwan’s favor as anti-Chinese sentiment grows in many democracies these days.Outgoing President of Micronesia He accused China of waging “political warfare”, including espionage, but said he needed $50 million in aid as part of a shift in perception.

We also need to contextualize the meaning of awareness switches. My research estimated that at least 15 countries could switch allegiance. Will a switchover by Micronesia lead to any of these nations following in the footsteps? The acquisition of a diplomatic partner has attracted national and international attention, and formal diplomatic recognition has been reinforced by China’s claim that Taiwan is merely a “province.” In contrast, it reaffirms Taiwan’s claims as a sovereign state. As national elections approach, a switch to stem the tide of diplomatic defeat may help present the image that Taiwan’s push into the international space has been effective. This will likely require coming up with an acceptable mix of aid packages and non-economic incentives, allowing China to use its losses to lure other Increase the pulling pressure.

Domestically, the effect of gaining a diplomatic partner is unknown. Most Taiwanese view the loss of an ally as a data point within the broader context of cross-strait relations, with political parties suggesting gains or losses as evidence of the current administration’s commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty. .My research on public perception in Taiwan , and It also shows public support for these efforts toward formal recognition, even if it hurts relations with China, but not if it leads to increased demand for international assistance. is not. However, there is no existing research that identifies the degree to which the public values ​​efforts for diplomatic recognition over traditional policy areas such as economic development and national defense.

Taiwan’s low profile is not due to Taiwan’s own incompetence, but to pressure from China.Efforts to formally recognize these smaller states would provide limited additional benefits, as many rely heavily on international assistance and cannot directly improve the security situation in Taiwan. Some analysts question whether Taiwan is necessary That said, I argue that these remaining partners remain focused on Taiwan’s unique situation, contributing to a certain predictability, if not stability, of cross-strait relations. Rather, efforts to persuade interested countries to recognize Taiwan should be combined with continued efforts to expand informal ties in all regions. To the extent that functional differences between these types of relationships are barely discernible as a means of institutionalizing relationships with non-recognizing states.

Read the following: How worried is Taiwan about Chinese aggression?

TNL Editor: Bryan Chou (@thenewslensintl)

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