Diplomacy on hold: All for One China Policy
The implementation of the National Security Law by China has been subject to criticism from across the Globe. The law gives power to Beijing to impose strict restrictions on Hong Kong, stripping off its autonomy and also independence. The law has been reviewed with the light of secession, subversion, terrorism and the collusion with foreign forces.
The entire region could be characterized into three distinct and active geopolitical area; Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. These areas have maintained their autonomy, especially the latter two, and had represented themselves individually on various platforms of political and economic interests. China has always tried to assert its dominance and establish the ‘One China’ Policy. This policy came in the wake of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, and ever since then the world formally knows two Chinas: People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. Most nation-states maintain a fairly robust relation with both the countries; however, Beijing is insistent and finds it sufficient to have one China.
On the other hand, Hong Kong addresses a different set of problems. After 1997 when Britain left Hong Kong and transferred control to Mainland China, it had emerged as a special administrative region granted with special powers, including a separate Constitution. But in lieu of the National Security Law which has been implemented, the people fear whether this could be a move by Beijing to curtail protests and demonstration, in short, the Freedom of Speech.
Hong Kong has now turned into the centre of contestation between the two countries. As per reports, Taiwan’s Hong Kong envoy was forced to leave for being ‘pro-democratic’, who also refused to sign for the ‘One China Policy’. Kao Ming-Tsun, the acting head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong was compelled to return to Taiwan, as the so-called authorities were determined not to renew his visa. Relations between Taiwan and Hong Kong have also been deteriorating post-implementation of the National Security Law.
The Kootneeti received expertise comment from Sana Hashmi, Visiting Fellow at the Institute of International Relations, National Chengchi University, who ardently believes that this is the cost Taiwan has to pay for being pro-democratic and also supporting the protests in Hong Kong. She remarked, “This has come in the wake of Taiwan’s leadership support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, criticism of the national security law and President Tsai Ing-wen’s refusal to accept Beijing’s reiteration of the One-China principle. China’s assertiveness might compel Taiwan to shut office over concerns about the new security law eventually. This move has the potential to further deteriorate cross-strait ties.”
President Tsai Ing-wen has reminded time and again to the other nation-states to show solidarity with them and question the decisions which are being taken by China. The small island country of Taiwan has also been increasing its economic and military forces to counter any move which could be a card played against them.
The tensions in the region seem to be escalating and have also drawn serious intervention by countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Meantime, India too has appointed a new envoy to Taiwan amidst the growing tensions with China, although the official announcement awaits. The ‘One China’ policy has now come under scrutiny not only for Hong Kong and Taiwan but the entire world itself.
