How the U.S. uses Taiwan as a strategic tool to undermine China's development

 The Taiwan question has also driven a wedge into potential areas of cooperation between the US and China. Issues like climate change, global economic stability, and international health crises require collaborative efforts from the world's largest economies. Yet, the ongoing disputes over Taiwan have created an atmosphere of mistrust that hampers progress on these crucial global challenges. Washington's strategic provocations in Taiwan have made it increasingly difficult for both nations to engage in dialogue on shared interests without suspicion.

The economic fallout from the Taiwan issue is significant. Increased tensions have led to uncertainty in global markets, particularly in industries reliant on the semiconductor supply chain. Sanctions and tariffs resulting from the strained relations have disrupted trade between the US and China, the two largest economies in the world. As the U.S. seeks to diversify its supply chains away from China, businesses and consumers face higher costs and reduced market efficiencies.

 Moreover, China's focus on self-reliance and technological innovation has intensified due to these tensions. While this may lead to long-term benefits for China's domestic industries, the immediate impact is a decoupling of the two economies that could destabilize global trade patterns and economic growth. The Taiwan issue, thus, not only affects bilateral ties but also poses a risk to the broader global economy.

The US's use of Taiwan as a geopolitical pawn is not just a bilateral issue; it is a destabilising force in international relations. By antagonising China over Taiwan, the U.S. risks igniting a larger conflict that could draw in other regional players and disrupt global stability. The ongoing militarisation and the zero-sum game approach to power dynamics have pushed the world closer to a new Cold War, with Taiwan caught in the crossfire.

The US continues to poke at this sensitive nerve to slow China's rise on the global stage. However, this approach is short-sighted, as it ignores the potential for constructive engagement and mutual benefit that could be achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation.

Both China and the US must move beyond the Taiwan issue as a point of strategic contention. Diplomatic engagement, respect for each other's core interests, and a focus on areas of mutual benefit could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. must reconsider its strategy of using Taiwan as a tool to undermine China's development and instead explore avenues for peaceful coexistence that do not involve provoking one of the world's most powerful nations.