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An island 200 kilometres off the coast of China looms as the biggest international test of the Biden administration and Beijing’s relationship with the world. Characterised by its liberal democracy, resilient economy and the existential threat of invasion, Taiwan has lived under a cloud for more than half a century.
Its existence has seen Taiwanese and Chinese diplomats come to blows over a cake decorated with a Taiwan flag in Fiji, a Perth theatre forced to apologise to Chinese officials over a diplomatically sensitive performance and Qantas remove Taiwan from its list of country destinations, describing the island as part of China.
Long a diplomatic flashpoint, it now threatens to become a military one.
Seven months after Hong Kong was subdued by the Chinese Communist Party, Beijing has turned its attention to the final territory not in its control under the “One China policy”, sending dozens of warplanes over the Taiwan Strait to mark the start of 2021.
Senior colonel Wu Qian, China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesman, issued a warning days after fighter jets and bombers harassed the Taiwan Strait’s “median line” in January.
“We solemnly warn these Taiwan separatists: those who play with fire will get burnt, Taiwan secession means war,” Wu said.
Why does China have Taiwan in its sights? What does Taiwan want? And, as tensions rise, how would the US – and Australia – be likely to respond?
Tourists and locals walk around a night market in Taipei in 2018.Credit:Getty Images
Why does China hate Taiwan?
Taiwan split from the mainland after years of civil war between two rival political forces: the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang. The Ku ..
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