The world always maintains friendships with the strongest and this has been proven by Taiwan yet again. The island nation had recently made a strong statement that could possibly trouble it in the near future.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), has always struggled to maintain its sovereignty. The island is claimed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as an integral part of their territory under its “One China Principle”.
Taiwan Playing a Dangerous Game
The Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air recent estimates reports that Taiwan bought $1.2 billion worth of fossil fuels from Russia between Feb. 24 — the date Russia launched its “Special Operation” in Ukraine — and July 31st.
This is indeed a shocker for a country that has long supported Ukraine in the recent Russo-Ukraine conflict. Taiwan was also part of the camp that imposed sanctions on Russia. Taipei tried to choke the supply of 57 high-tech commodities like integrated circuit parts, and variable-frequency drives in April this year.
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One might wonder, what made Taiwan continue buying fossil fuels from Russia in spite of the very vocal stand it has been taking against the Kremlin, and how is this going to play out for the island nation.
Most nations do not officially recognize Taiwan, so as to avoid infuriating China. However, China’s recent rise as a global power has forced rivals like the USA to improve relations with Taiwan.
Russia’s recent operation in Ukraine in February has ramped up tensions in Taiwan which now feels threatened that China could also go forward with a similar operation in their nation.
However, statements made by the US President in May must have surely eased the anxieties of the Taiwanese populace. U.S. President Joe Biden pledged to defend Taiwan militarily.
“That’s the commitment we made,” he told reporters in Tokyo while drawing parallels between Russia and China. “The idea that Taiwan can be taken by force, just taken by force, is just not appropriate.”
The United States’ support is one of the foremost reasons that Taipei extended its support to Ukraine. It would also naturally be appropriate for Taipei to condemn an invasion if it does want to garner support in the event that China launches a similar operation on its land.
US – Worthy of Trust?
Tensions rose when U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on a trip earlier this month. She said her visit shows an unwavering American commitment to the Chinese-claimed self-ruled island, but China condemned the highest-level U.S. visit in 25 years as a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
In retaliation, China launched a series of exercises in multiple zones around Taiwan. China fired ballistic missiles and deployed fighter jets and warships as it began its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan.
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However, even after all the shenanigans being put up by the US, the Taiwanese leaders would not be so sure about the US. The doubt arises out of Washington’s inability to stand up for Ukraine.
It is natural for Taiwan to keep its options open against an advanced and powerful enemy like China. As a result, the Taiwanese have kept a channel open with the Russians. This gives Taipei a chance to open dialogue with Moscow in case of aggression from China.
Taiwan might, if necessary, benefit from the strategic ties Beijing and Russia have with one another. It could be very well its last resort to protect its sovereignty because what could they really expect of the US with Joe Biden in power?
