The Chinese characters for “peace” are seen at The Grand Hotel Taipei in May 2021. Photo: CNS
Opinion
Bernard Chan
Bernard Chan
Stop pushing the lie that mainland China is on the brink of war with Taiwan
Such media reports only make things worse, heightening tensions and fears, and distracting from China’s attempts at economic recovery, so crucial to global prosperity
It is disturbing to observe mainstream media outlets, primarily in the US, sowing suspicion in people’s minds that mainland China is on a war footing and preparations are under way to attack Taiwan. Such coverage heightens political tensions and increases public fears of imminent military conflict. These news reports appear regularly, and I am repeatedly contacted by concerned friends in the US and elsewhere, worried at the prospect of war between the mainland and Taiwan.
Ratcheting up such a false narrative is undoubtedly designed to undermine China. Some believe it is also a political tactic to influence factions within the American electorate as the 2024 presidential race gathers momentum.
Hong Kong is, unfortunately, in the firing line by default, and as a result, many businesses are suffering collateral damage. Investors are becoming increasingly nervous due to the relentless media narrative driven by those in the system with a vested interest in weakening China. We are seeing some investors being forced to withdraw from Hong Kong or the mainland to mitigate against the potential risk of conflict and, of course, the ever-present spectre of sanctions.
The US government’s official position regarding Taiwan, declared in 1978 by president Jimmy Carter in the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, is that it “recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China”.
It also “acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China”. Of course, as in any society, some disagree with the government’s position. Still, that official position remains unchanged despite the rhetoric and posturing.
US rhetoric and actions concerning Taiwan changed considerably under president Donald Trump who, according to the New York-based think tank, Council on Foreign Relations, deepened ties with Taiwan by “selling more than US$18 billion worth of arms to the military”.
Increased tensions in the region were sparked last year by the divisive visit to Taiwan taken by Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker at the time. It enraged China and prompted increased military activity in the Taiwan Strait, a predictable outcome.
Many people believe America’s keen interest in Taiwan is driven by its enviable position as the world leader in semiconductors, the lifeblood of the technology sector. The industry is particularly relevant in machine deep learning and the development of artificial intelligence. Well-informed opinion suggests the US will take at least 10 years to catch up and reach Taiwan’s current capability.
Incidentally, the US has a track record of interventionist activities overseas. Imposing Western beliefs under the banner of democracy on sovereign nations has often been used to justify hostility and military actions in countries with opposing ideological, cultural or political systems.
Over the years, they have inflicted untold damage. Examples we are familiar with include the Vietnam war, the US-led Gulf War, which was based on alleged weapons of mass destruction that never materialised, and interventions in Afghanistan or other countries in the Middle East. Who are the beneficiaries of such incursions or acts of regime change? It certainly doesn’t appear to be the countries targeted.
What is apparent is that China is focused on important matters at home. Speeding up the slow recovery after the pandemic and introducing measures to stimulate economic growth are primary objectives. Despite lifting some 800 million people from poverty, reducing the wealth gap remains a primary concern. More frequent natural disasters, youth unemployment, and a weak property market are all challenges to the regaining of China’s economic momentum – essential for global economic prosperity.
China has also been working tirelessly to address long-term sustainability challenges and is the world’s front runner in renewable energy expansion, according to the International Energy Agency.
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Taiwan residents living within sight of mainland China voice concerns over live-fire drills
Taiwan residents living within sight of mainland China voice concerns over live-fire drills
People in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan do not want conflict. They want to feed, educate and house their families in peace. They want a sustainable future for their children and grandchildren. They also understand that any enforced separation of Taiwan from China in the name of independence has the capacity for full-scale conflict, and that is not in anyone’s best interests.
Media owners are responsible for reporting in a balanced, objective manner that does not promote hostile activities or or vilify another country. Mainland China is not on the brink of war with Taiwan. Let common sense prevail and refrain from engaging in false or misleading narratives.
Bernard Chan is a Hong Kong businessman and a former Executive Council convenor
