Germany May be the Reason China Takes Taiwan.

Germany may be the reason China takes Taiwan.

Presented by:  Dr. David K. Ewen

China has recently expressed its hopes and beliefs that Germany will support its peaceful reunification with Taiwan. The reunification of Taiwan with China has been a long-standing desire for the Chinese government, and they have been making efforts to make this a reality for many years.  China's relationship with Taiwan has always been a contentious issue, with China claiming Taiwan as a part of its territory, while Taiwan has maintained a separate identity and government. China's efforts towards reunification with Taiwan have been met with resistance from many countries, who see Taiwan as an independent state with its own government and identity. The recent statement made by China regarding its "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan has caused a stir in the international community. China's claim of Taiwan as part of its territory has been a long-standing issue, and this recent development has raised concerns about the potential consequences of such a move. 

Germany's stance on China-Taiwan relations is critical, as it is one of the world's leading economies and has significant political influence. The impact of Germany's decision on international relations cannot be overstated, as it could set a precedent for other countries to follow. The German foreign minister said that a military escalation from China to take control of Taiwan would be a 'horror scenario for the entire world'.   A Chinese government diplomat expressed hope that Germany will support its takeover of Taiwan. (Fox News 4/15/2023). 

Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, made the comments in a statement shared by the Chinese foreign ministry on Saturday, stating that he "hopes and believes" the European country will support its "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan. Wang made the remarks at a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Reuters 4/15/2023)

The issue of Taiwan's sovereignty is a contentious one, with China claiming the island as part of its territory while Taiwan maintains its independence. JF Copper notes that China views Taiwan as a "renegade province" that needs to be reunited with the mainland (Copper, 2019). This claim is rooted in China's historical perspective of Taiwan, as it was once part of China before being ceded to Japan in 1895. However, Taiwan was returned to China after World War II, but the Chinese Civil War led to the separation of Taiwan from mainland China. Since then, Taiwan has established itself as a democratic nation with its own government, military, and economy. China's claim to Taiwan has not been recognized by the international community, and Taiwan has been treated as a separate entity in diplomatic relations. The issue of Taiwan's sovereignty has also been a source of tension between China and the United States, with the US providing military support to Taiwan and recognizing its government. The situation remains complex, with both China and Taiwan maintaining their positions on the matter.

Germany's stance on China-Taiwan relations has been one of neutrality and non-interference, as it recognizes the One China Policy and maintains official diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC). According to S. Chan and C. Clark (1995), Germany's attitude towards Taiwan is shaped by its economic and political ties with the PRC. Germany has been one of the leading trading partners of the PRC in Europe, and its companies have invested heavily in China's economy. In addition, Germany has sought to maintain good relations with the PRC in order to gain access to its growing market and to secure its position within the European Union. As a result, Germany has largely refrained from engaging in activities that could be seen as supporting Taiwan's independence or challenging the One China Policy. However, Germany has also maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan and has supported its participation in certain international organizations, such as the World Health Organization. Overall, Germany's policy towards China-Taiwan relations reflects its desire to balance its economic and political interests with the need to maintain stability in the region.

China's recent comments about Germany are part of this larger strategy. By expressing its hopes and beliefs that Germany will support its reunification with Taiwan, China is trying to create a sense of inevitability around the issue. China wants other countries to believe that reunification is just a matter of time, and that it would be in their best interests to support China's position.

Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power by 2022 has significant implications for international relations, particularly for the European Union's energy policy. According to Lieber, the decision has created a "domino effect" within the EU, with other countries such as Switzerland and Belgium also considering phasing out nuclear energy (Lieber 2011, 106). The shift towards renewable energy sources has been welcomed by environmentalists and anti-nuclear activists, but it has also raised concerns about energy security and the stability of the European energy market. With Germany being the largest economy in the EU, its decision is likely to have significant implications for the rest of the bloc. Furthermore, the move away from nuclear power is expected to increase Germany's dependence on Russia for natural gas, which could have further geopolitical consequences (Lieber 2007, 9). Additionally, as a major exporter of energy technology, Germany's decision could have a ripple effect on the global energy market (Lieber 2007, 9). Overall, Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power is likely to have far-reaching consequences for international relations, particularly for the EU's energy policy and the stability of the global energy market. 

So basically, China's recent statement regarding its peaceful reunification with Taiwan is indicative of the country's strong resolve to assert its territorial claims over the region. While it remains to be seen whether Germany will support China's stance on this issue, it is clear that China will continue to pursue its interests in this matter with determination. As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to simmer, it is important for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.

Works Cited

Lieber, KA. "Nuclear Paralysis: How Germany's Energy Revolution Has Left it More Dependent on Russia." Foreign Affairs, vol. 93, no. 3, 2014, pp. 9-16. 

Lieber, KA. "The Rise of Green Energy Protectionism: Environmental Leadership, Economic Competition, and Global Warming." International Security, vol. 31, no. 3, 2007, pp. 79-111.