Under the One China policy, most nations including the western block, do not recognise Taiwan as a nation state in its own right. Their non recognition of Taiwan must mean they have no right to interfere if China wants reunification with Taiwan to make China whole again. So is the west just butting in ?

Response:

The situation regarding Taiwan and the One China Policy is complex and involves a variety of geopolitical interests, historical context, and international relations. Here are some key points to consider:

One China Policy

• Definition: The One China Policy asserts that there is only one sovereign state under the name China, with Taiwan being a part of it. This policy is recognized by China and many countries, which do not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate nation-state.

International Relations

• Western Stance: While many western nations do not formally recognize Taiwan, they often maintain unofficial relations and support Taiwan in various ways, including arms sales and diplomatic engagements. This support can be viewed as a commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense and autonomy, despite not recognizing it as a separate state.
• U.S. Policy: The United States follows a policy of strategic ambiguity, acknowledging the One China Policy but also supporting Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, which allows for defensive provisions.

Potential for Conflict

• China’s Position: China views reunification with Taiwan as a core national interest and often expresses a desire to achieve this goal, potentially through force if deemed necessary.
• Western Concerns: Many in the West see Taiwan as a democratic entity and fear that forceful reunification by China could set a precedent for other authoritarian states to act similarly against their neighbors. This concern drives Western intervention in the form of diplomatic support and military aid to Taiwan.

Conclusion

The question of whether the West is “butting in” is nuanced:

• Perspective Matters: From China’s perspective, Western support for Taiwan may be seen as interference in its internal affairs. Conversely, Western nations might argue that they are supporting a democratic ally under threat.
• Geopolitical Strategy: There are broader strategic interests at play, including regional stability, economic ties, and the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.

In summary, the West’s involvement in Taiwan is rooted in strategic, democratic, and security considerations, which complicate the notion of interference given the historical and ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s status.

Well, it seems to me that a great deal of the west’s response is based on situational vagaries and imagination.