Hotspots: Taiwan Strait

Question 1

YITAN LI’S Constructivist approach to Taiwan Strait?

Answer 1

That despite growing economic integration between the Mainland and Taiwan, the formation of a new Taiwanese identity is underpinning that a merger is less likely to occur than ever

Question 2

Cause of 1995-96 Missile Crisis?

Answer 2

Taiwan President, Lee Teng’s desire to visit Cornell University

Question 3

Why was Lee Teng refused, and then allowed a visa to visit the US?

Answer 3

Provision of visa seen as inconsistent with official US-Taiwan relations, so Bill Clinton blocked him. US Congress changed the decision

Question 4

What was China’s response to Lee Teng’s US visit?

Answer 4

Criticised US for “ruining” Sino-US relations, presented a show of force in Taiwan Strait with 2 missile tests

Question 5

How did US respond to Chinese missile tests?

Answer 5

Biggest show of force in Asian-Pacific since Vietnam = Massive naval taskforce (2 Aircraft Carriers)

Question 6

What was interesting about a 2001 Chinese military exercise?

Answer 6

Simulated landing on Taiwan

Question 7

What does the Taiwan Relations Act 1979 stress regarding weapons sales?

Answer 7

That the US may sell weapons of a “defensive character”

Question 8

What cards does PRC hold on the Taiwan issue?

Answer 8

• Vastly superior military force
• Greater political standing
• Growing economic dependence as trade with Taiwan grows (29% of Taiwan total trade)

Question 9

What cards does Taiwan hold over PRC

Answer 9

• Allegiance with the US
• Adept military force, takeover would not be “easy”
• Growing identity divergence raising issue as to whether they’re even “Chinese” anymore