IPAC's Luke de Pulford says One China policy is obsolete, urges global recognition of Taiwan

Parland, a co-founder and executive director of the International Association for Taiwan-Related Affairs (IPAC), published a commentary from The Hague arguing that the “One China” narrative has become an outdated concept incapable of addressing the practical issues facing the Taiwan Strait. Parland contends that the political reality is that Taiwan possesses full autonomous capabilities and no longer accepts the notion of “Chinese sovereignty.” He asserts that the international community should not be constrained by the “One China” framework in its diplomatic dealings with Taiwan, but should instead adopt a clearer policy trajectory. Continued ambiguity, he warns, will provide Beijing with room to operate in the Taiwan Strait’s gray zone, making the escalation of conflict difficult to avoid.

The “One China” policy was originally a diplomatic strategy adopted by Western nations, including the United States and European countries, during the Cold War to avoid direct confrontation with the People’s Republic of China. Its core premise was the stance of “one China, two regimes,” which allowed countries to maintain informal relations with both Beijing and Taiwan. In recent years, as Taiwan’s economic and technological strength has become increasingly prominent on the global stage, Taiwan itself has gradually come to view the “One China” concept as an external pressure rather than an internal choice. Parland points out that Taiwan has established independent political, economic, and social systems and no longer needs to be confined by the “One China” framework. He argues that this framework not only fails to reflect reality but also restricts Taiwan’s ability to voice its position and act within the international community.

At the level of international relations, Parland’s views echo the calls of many Taiwanese political figures and civil society groups. Since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, Taiwan has repeatedly asserted the position that it is a sovereign state in its diplomatic communications and has actively participated in multilateral issues such as global public health and climate change. Following the enactment of the U.S.-Taiwan Relations Act and the Taiwan Travel Act, the United States has further utilized arms sales and diplomatic assistance as key instruments for maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. Parland argues that if the international community continues to base its policies on the premise of “One China,” it will be difficult to provide Taiwan with adequate security and economic support. Conversely, re-evaluating policies toward Taiwan from the perspective that it is an independent entity would help expand Taiwan’s participation on the international stage and reduce the risks associated with gray zone operations.

Parland also noted that maintaining an ambiguous diplomatic posture regarding “One China” effectively grants Beijing greater tactical flexibility. The People’s Republic of China’s military deployments and political pressure in the Taiwan Strait have escalated significantly. If the international community lacks a clear stance on its policy toward Taiwan, the island will find it difficult to effectively counter these pressures. In contrast, articulating a clear and firm position regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and security needs would help the international community provide more concrete support and coordination in the face of threats from China.

On a practical level, the Taiwanese government launched the “Strategy for Taiwan’s International Participation” in 2023, emphasizing the promotion of Taiwan’s legitimate participation in international organizations based on its substantive capabilities and international legal norms. This strategy aligns with Parland’s calls, indicating that Taiwan is gradually moving toward a more autonomous and internationalized diplomatic path. In the future, securing greater recognition of Taiwan’s identity within the international community would have a positive impact on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while also providing Taiwanese people with greater international space and opportunities.

(Source: CNA)