The Taiwan question in US-China relations and its implications for the European Union

Abstract

This paper discusses the question of Taiwan’s political status (hereafter the ‘Taiwan Question’) in China’s foreign relations and its implications for the European Union. To provide a point of reference for the EU’s Taiwan policy, the paper examines how the United States has traditionally defined its position on Taiwan under the ‘One-China policy.’ Since the elements of that position were formulated in a specific historical context, this paper adopts a historical perspective. An understanding of this background will help to clarify the strategic and political problems that the One-China policy was intended to address. Whether or not that policy should change depends on whether or not the One-China policy can adapt to the new strategic and political conditions that have arisen since the rise of China. This author believes that it can, but not without giving care and attention to the precise wording of official statements.