Author

Jongho Shin, Gyeonggi Research Institute

Abstract

The Taiwan issue in the Cold War and its aftermath has been the core area influencing upon U.S.-China relations. After the 2008 global financial crisis though, the importance of the issue has decreased on account of following reasons: 1) the United States has pursued strategic cooperation with China; 2) China has increased assertiveness related to its core interests against the U.S.; and 3) China has strengthened cooperative exchanges with Taiwan.

Despite such changes, mutual distrust and misunderstanding between Washington and Beijing means that the Taiwan issue is still one of the most sensitive matters and is a barrier toward enhanced bilateral cooperation. While the United States considers cooperation with China essential in tackling global issues, it will continue to maintain non-political ties with Taiwan upholding the “One China” principle, rather than abandon it or downgrade the U.S. security commitment to Taipei. Beijing also remains concerned about unnecessary conflict or tension in cross-strait relations that will hinder strategic cooperation with the Washington. Still, Chinese leaders will continue with its current assertiveness regarding the Taiwan issue, for it still considers the issue as a domestic one. This is especially true as number of China’s measures to pressure the United States is increasing with the rise of its international stance and its growing political clout. Furthermore, China will seek to prevent external intervention by solidifying its relations with Taiwan.

The full text in Korean is available here