Thursday, June 2, 2011

"One or two Chinas: Possible changes in cross-Strait strategic thinking

l  During a recent conference in Washington on cross-Strait relations, Dr. Richard Bush, former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), called on Beijing to examine the political reality across the Taiwan Strait objectively, especially the continued existence of the Republic of China (ROC), which remains Taiwan's official name, since 1912.

l  Furthermore, Bush re-introduced the "two Chinas" concept, which was first proposed decades ago by the United States on possible dual-representation at some international organizations including the United Nations (UN).

l  Beijing was quick to respond to Bush's "two Chinas" concept as China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) rejected the concept in a forceful way, reiterating the position that: (1) there is only one China, (2) Taiwan is part of China, and (3) Beijing will do everything to preserve its territorial integrity.

l  While it looks impossible for Beijing to accept the “two Chinas” concept, the increasingly frequent discussions on politically sensitive issues—from Washington to Taipei—could indicate that changes may be forthcoming in cross-Strait and US-China-Taiwan relations after Taiwan’s presidential election next January and China’s political transition by April 2013.


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