The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is committed to providing timely and insightful updates to global affairs. With the tensions between Taiwan and China reaching a fever pitch, we reached out to the respective government officials for each, looking for insights into the ongoing situation.  Both Taiwan and Chinese officials directed us to statements made by their respective governments. What becomes immediately clear is that the governments on either side of the strait view the situation, including the lead up to Chinese military drills around the island, completely differently.

Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China

“…China is clearly trying to deter other countries from interfering in its attempt to invade Taiwan. Its rehearsal of anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) tactics gives us a clear image of China’s geostrategic ambitions beyond Taiwan.

In other words, China’s real intention behind these military exercises is to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region. This has already brought significantly unstable elements into the mix, threatening regional security.”

Hua Chunying, Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

“China has acted in legitimate self-defense only after the US made this egregious provocation (Speaker Pelosi’s visit). China’s measures are also about staunchly safeguarding regional peace and stability and international law and basic norms in international relations. Already more than 160 countries have made their voice of justice heard. They reiterated their commitment to the one-China policy and expressed support for China’s efforts to firmly uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity…For the Chinese military’s drills in the waters off the Taiwan Island, the Chinese competent authorities have issued safety alerts and navigation warnings in advance. The practices of the Chinese side were consistent with international law and practices.”

Of course, international reaction to this crisis has been as varied in their responses as these two statements. This global issue continues to highlight the differing worldviews of people across the globe. As this geostrategic competition continues to play out, one is left hoping that a miscalculation or accident does not occur that leads inevitably, to death, destruction, and global disruptions that will impact everyone’s lives, either directly or indirectly. Beyond the human toll of a war across the Taiwan Strait, the disruptions to global trade will only continue to pile on to the pressures placed on supply chains, as well as global inflation. As we have seen with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a war can begin quickly, but the impacts to the world will be lasting.

For access to the full statements:

Taiwan - https://en.mofa.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=1328&sms=273&s=98292

China - https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202208/t20220805_10735987.html