Taiwan Strait: A Geopolitical Flashpoint

Recent Developments

On April 11, 2023, the Taiwan Strait witnessed a significant escalation when seventy-one Chinese military aircraft crossed the sensitive median line during drills around Taiwan. This event has brought attention to the Taiwan Strait, a region of great geopolitical importance.

Geographical Features

The Taiwan Strait is a relatively shallow strait with an average depth of approximately 490 feet. It receives drainage from several rivers, including the Jiulong and Min Rivers from China’s Fujian Province. The strait is home to several islands, such as Kinmen and Matsu, off the coast of Fujian in China and Penghu, Xiamen, and Pingtan along the Taiwan side. The People’s Republic of China administers Xiamen and Pingtan Islands, while Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu are under the Republic of China’s (Taiwan) administration.

Significance of the Taiwan Strait

Geostrategic Location

Taiwan is strategically located at the confluence of the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Philippine Sea. It is also situated southwest of the Japanese Island Chain and in close proximity to Okinawa, thus making it significantly influenced by Japan. Throughout history, Taiwan has been a strategically important island and a point of contention between Japan and various ruling dynasties of China.

Trade in the Region

The Taiwan Strait serves as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the region, facilitating nearly 90% of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean trade to Asia, the Middle East, and India. Given that China’s major ports are located in the Yellow Sea, the trade passing through the Taiwan Strait holds significant value for China.

Taiwan: A Geopolitical Pivot

Taiwan is surrounded by the East China Sea to the north and northeast, with the Ryukyu Islands (part of Japan) situated to the northeast. It borders the Philippine Sea to the east, the Luzon Strait to the south, and the South China Sea to the southwest. The climate in Taiwan is subtropical, except for the southernmost part, which is tropical.

Economic Significance

Taiwan has experienced remarkable economic growth over the past few decades and has emerged as a $775 billion economy (as of 2021). It boasts one of the highest per capita GDPs and ranks the world’s 22nd-largest economy, controlling around 60-65% of the global semiconductor chip business.

One China Policy

China’s desire to exert control over Taiwan stems partly from the One China Policy and the strategic ambiguity surrounding it. This policy, recognized by major economies, including the United States, acknowledges the existence of one China on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and indirectly reaffirms mainland China’s control over Taiwan, which is not universally recognized as an independent country.

Navigational Choke Points

From China’s perspective, Taiwan is vital to the “first island chain,” which includes Japan, the Ryukyus, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia. Beijing considers the navigational “choke points” among these islands as potential constraints on the People’s Liberation Army’s naval access to the “second island chain” (comprising Guam, the Marianas, the Palau island group, and other small islands in the central Pacific) and beyond into the open ocean far from China’s shores.

Conclusion

The Taiwan Strait is a significant strait separating Taiwan from mainland China. It remains a subject of international dispute and tension, impacting relations between China, Taiwan, and other countries. Recent developments, including the escalation of cross-strait tensions, increased international support for Taiwan, and significant geopolitical partnerships, have heightened uncertainty and instability in the region. The Taiwan Strait will continue to be a critical area of focus for global geopolitics and security.