Chairman of International Studies at Yale University, Professor Andy Knight has considered the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China’s statement on speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan as a “veiled threat” to this country.
Commenting on the statement issued by the embassy on Wednesday, Professor Knight said: “one is struck by the defensive nature of the statement.”
“Basically one can read between the lines a veiled threat to the government and people of T&T — we (China) have been a great partner to you (T&T) ever since you supported the one-China policy. This policy is supported by most of the members of the United Nations system. Therefore, T&T ought to be just as offended by Pelosi’s visit as we are,” he said.
“Chinese diplomats are clearly trying to garner support from other countries to force the US into abandoning any attempt to embolden the “separatist” forces in Taiwan.”
He noted that these, “separatist” forces are individuals who are part of a Taiwan independence movement—a political movement that advocates the formal declaration of an independent and sovereign Taiwanese state.
Professor Knight noted with interest that the fight over Taiwan’s status is also being played out in T&T.
“T&T has benefited economically from its strong support of the PRC and of the one-China policy. But T&T also supports the notion of sovereignty and territorial independence - something that most people in Taiwan want for themselves,” he said
“So, what Chinese diplomats are doing in the aftermath of Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is to remind Trinidadians, not too subtly, of the price that could be paid if the Caribbean country decides to support the US over the PRC (People’s Republic of China) when it comes to Taiwan.”
He believes what is being witnessed is a battle for “hegemony” being played out between the US and China with China using Pelosi’s visit to draw a line in the sand with respect to what it considers to be its sovereignty and territorial integrity claim.
He describes China as “acting like a bull in the China shop” when it comes to its diplomatic actions over the visit.
“First of all, while the PRC would like everyone to believe that there is a one-China policy and that Taiwan is not a separate state but simply part of China, the fact that it has to use coercive diplomacy and strong-armed tactics to maintain that position is telling of specific weaknesses in the position,” he said.
“I have visited Taiwan twice, as an independent monitor of two of its national elections. I came away each time marvelling at how different Taiwan is to mainland China. In fact, it seemed evident to me that the PRC doesn’t want the kind of openness, transparency, and democratic practices which Taiwan has embraced to “infect” the mainland. One can see why the Chinese government tries to label those who want Taiwan to be an independent state as somehow being traitors to mainland China.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has previously prompted concern if China will follow suit with its turbulent relations with Taiwan. Although the US speaker’s visit builds on tensions in the Eastern part of the globe, Professor Knight does not believe the provocation could lead to war in the Cross/Strait.
“It will not. China will huff and puff over this issue. It has used military drills and raised issues of US hypocrisy to get the US to stop egging on the independence forces in Taiwan. But the fact is that China is in fact creating a more insecure environment in the region, just over this visit of a high ranking US official,” he said.
“It makes one wonder why the PRC leadership is kicking up such a fuss over this particular issue. Is this a show of strength or a sign of weakness?”
One day after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Tuesday amidst strong opposition from the Chinese government, an embassy spokesperson issued a statement condemning her actions. It also had the following message for T&T:
“Since China and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic ties 48 years ago, the two countries have always been committed to equality, mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. China appreciates Trinidad and Tobago’s consistent adherence to the one-China principle and firm pursuance to a friendly policy toward China. China stands ready to continue to work with Trinidad and Tobago to support each other’s core interests and major concerns and push for greater development of the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership. We are confident that the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to support China’s just position,” it said.