China, Taiwan, and the Coronavirus
Opinion analysis by Annabelle Ghanem, Staff Writer
May 26th, 2020
You’d perhaps think being engulfed by a worldwide pandemic would bring a greater form of unity and collectivity within the international community. That nations would put aside their day to day issues with one another, and unite for the purpose of mankind’s survival. But as we are often reminded, the moral principles of humanity are meaningless in the face of personal political gain. And unfortunately, some political enmities are too historically imbedded to be cast aside, even in the face of a common enemy, Covid-19.
China and Taiwan have been in a worm pool of political turmoil since the emergence of communism in the East, with the ruling Kuomintang government fleeing to the island, as the Chinese communist party took over the nation. However, as the Kuomintang government migrated into the borders of Taiwan, their dictatorship rule followed. Eventually, the people’s opposition and resistance to the authoritarian regime resulted in the ‘democratization’ of the island, and a free election in the year 2000. However, till this day, China claims that Taiwan is nonother than part of its land, and has therefore continuously placed its hands on Taiwan’s international affairs, deepening the nation’s struggle for recognition as a sovereign state.
With China being one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the nation has continuously succeeded in preventing Taiwan from becoming a member state in the United Nations, silencing the island’s voice within the international community.
This blockage has been prolonged to this very day, prohibiting Taiwan, a nation that is continuously commemorated for its brilliant response methods towards the coronavirus, from attending the annual World Health Organization meeting in Geneva, as well as various international virus talks. This not only poses implications on the nation of Taiwan, but also prevents the rest of the international community from benefiting from a successful nation’s contribution which could possibly aid in the adjustment of their own responses. However, China’s inability to put history aside to support the global effort did not settle well with other UN members, especially considering its relation with the virus’s origin.
Nations such as the United States of America have openly expressed their support for Taiwan’s presence in the meetings, alongside New Zealand, Japan, Australia, The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France. With many of China’s fellow P5 members advocating for its enemy’s participation, China’s powerful role within the United Nations has become questionable. While states have been facing tremendous implications due to the spread of a virus originating from China, nation leaders such as Donald Trump have openly blamed the Chinese government for what the US president calls a “mass worldwide killing”.
The tension brewing against the communist state allows me to predict grand change within the United Nations, possibly tapping into the contentious and continuous discussion topic - the reassessment of veto power. Taiwan’s possible inclusion as a member state could also be on the table, as allegiance to China within this particular standoff slowly weakens.
Taiwan broke its silence regarding the year’s WHO talks, claiming that its presence is beneficial to both Taiwan and the rest of the attendees. The island has claimed that crucial information has not been made accessible to the nation due to China’s intervention and prevention, thus making its presence all the more justifiable. Unfortunately, despite numerous supporters and benefits, there have been no statements confirming Taiwan’s participation in any future virus talks led by the WHO, a true loss based on decisions blinded by grudge and stubbornness.
Once we click the play button on our paused lives and resume what we once knew to be normal, we will forever look back at 2020 as a sheer reminder of the importance of morality and collectivity. There will always be conflict. There will always be tension. But it is the rare instances like the one currently engulfing our planet, that truly test our humanity, and shine a light on our priorities. Unfortunately, China has shown no intentions of loosening its grip on Taiwan’s involvement in the international community, despite the global benefits it would bring during such a pivotal period. The nation has failed to show solidarity in a time where the whole world must stand united against a global threat, and for that I truly believe China will be paying an expensive price, with the coronavirus being the first step in the nation’s downfall.