TAIPEI/OP-ED: Taiwan stands as a beacon of democracy, economic innovation, and human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. Its distinct history, vibrant political landscape, and global contributions underscore why Taiwan should never be forcibly absorbed into China. The world must recognize and support Taiwan’s right to self-determination, ensuring that it remains a free and independent entity.
Taiwan’s cultural and political trajectory has diverged from mainland China for decades. The island has fostered its own unique identity, shaped by democratic governance, a thriving civil society, and a commitment to freedom. Unlike the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) authoritarian rule, Taiwan has flourished as a pluralistic society, where political dissent is protected, press freedom thrives, and leaders are elected by the people.
While Beijing often argues that Taiwan is historically a part of China, the reality is more complex. Taiwan was only briefly under Qing Dynasty rule and spent significant periods under Japanese governance. The island’s modern development has little in common with China’s political system or governance, reinforcing Taiwan’s distinctiveness.
A forced reunification with China would mean the dismantling of Taiwan’s hard-earned democratic institutions. Beijing’s track record in Hong Kong and Tibet serves as a stark warning of how promises of autonomy often result in authoritarian crackdowns. The erosion of freedoms, suppression of journalists, and punishment of dissenters in Hong Kong illustrate what could happen to Taiwan if it were absorbed by China.
Taiwan is one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies, with open elections, an independent judiciary, and protections for civil rights. The world must safeguard Taiwan’s sovereignty to ensure that democracy continues to thrive in the region rather than succumb to authoritarian control.
Taiwan is a powerhouse of technological innovation, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, where it plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain. A Chinese takeover of Taiwan would disrupt international trade, weaken global tech industries, and place critical resources under an authoritarian government’s control.
Furthermore, Taiwan’s contribution to humanitarian efforts, medical research, and environmental initiatives showcases its role as a responsible global citizen. Taiwan’s engagement with the international community benefits not only the region but the world at large.
The international community must recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty and reinforce its security against aggression. Strengthening diplomatic ties, trade partnerships, and defense cooperation with Taiwan will deter hostile actions and affirm its place in the global system. The stakes are not just regional—they are global. If Taiwan is forcibly integrated into China, it would embolden authoritarian expansionism, threatening democracies worldwide.
Taiwan’s story is one of resilience, progress, and freedom. It has built a society based on democratic ideals, economic innovation, and global engagement—one that is starkly different from China’s political model. Its people have expressed their will for self-governance time and again. Taiwan should never become part of China because it is, in every meaningful way, its own nation, and the world must stand in support of its independence.
[The opinions expressed in this article are of the author. Europeantimes.org takes no responsibility for the same.]
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Khedroob Thondup
Khedroob Thondup is the son of Gyalo Thondup, elder brother of the Dalai Lama. Educated at St. Stephens College Delhi University and the University of San Francisco. He was a personal assistant to the Dalai Lama and accompanied him on his first trip to the U.S. in 1979. He was sent by the Dalai Lama to Beijing from 1980 till 1993 for dialogue talks where he interacted with Xi Zhongxun and Hu Jintao. He has served as Member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile for three terms and is the President of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre Darjeeling since 1987. He has edited two books, Dalai Lama My Son and Tibet in Turmoil and presently lives in Taipei, Taiwan.
