Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
12 October 2023 | 11:19am CAT
1-min read

Photo: University of Newcastle

In this week’s Asia-Pacific Report on Radio Islam International, Koffi Kouakou, an Africa-China specialist and Africa analyst at African Futures, discussed the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. The discussion revolved around Taiwan’s readiness for a potential military conflict with China, a scenario that has been a subject of increasing concern in global politics.

Taiwan, a self-ruled island, faces an enormous challenge when pitted against China, both in terms of population and military might. Kouakou noted that the conventional comparison between the two is strikingly imbalanced. China’s rapid modernisation of its military forces, especially since President Xi Jinping took office in 2013, has considerably tilted the odds in their favour. Taiwan, located just 180 kilometres from mainland China, finds itself at a significant disadvantage in a conventional military confrontation.

Economically, the contrast is equally stark. China boasts the world’s largest economy, while Taiwan’s economic interdependence with China, notably in the microchip industry, makes it challenging for Taiwan to navigate a military conflict without experiencing severe economic repercussions, Kouakou noted.

Kouakou emphasised that Taiwan’s primary objective is not to engage in military conflict with China but rather to bolster its defences in the event of a worst-case scenario. The desire of the Taiwanese people, according to him, is to be left alone and maintain their self-ruled status. It is the United States that has been actively supporting Taiwan, providing military assistance, and contributing to the growing tensions in the South China Sea region, Kouakou said.

The role of the United States in this scenario has been a subject of debate. Despite China’s economic strength and the challenges the US faces in various parts of the world, it has continued to support Taiwan. Under different administrations, including the Trump and Biden presidencies, the US has maintained a policy of providing arms and military support to Taiwan.

Kouakou pointed out that the US has undertaken a strategic shift towards the Pacific, positioning China as an existential threat. This approach has contributed to escalating tensions in the region, with China growing increasingly concerned about the situation.

Listen to the Asia Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.