66 Years of Silence Broken
66 Years of Silence Broken
The world stood still, waiting for what would be next in the relationship of Taiwan and China after their split in 1949 in the wake of the China’s civil war. China took on a communist type of government while Taiwan embraced democracy. Since then, China and Taiwan shared an air of animosity towards each other. After 66 years of silence, the current presidents of each country met in a summit in Singapore, bringing both leaders’ gestures into a spotlight of scrutiny. The current leader of China is President Xi Jinping while Taiwan’s leader is President Ma Ying-jeou. The press conference’s goal was to demonstrate how the two nations are alike given their shared history, language, and economic interests.
Since Taiwan’s separation from China, China has threatened to bring in military intervention if Taiwan formally makes a declaration of independence. President Xi considers this meet-up as a new chapter in their relationship. He expressed sympathy towards the families who got bitterly separated because of the separation of the two countries. On the other hand, President Ma added that he calls for reduction of hostility, and for the resolution of disputes with peaceful measures. He also calls for enhancement of exchanges that would be beneficial for both countries.
Back in Taiwan, the meeting has been met with different reactions. Protestors rallied in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, to express their disappointment with the meeting. Ma’s political opposition in Taiwan was also displeased. Ma is considered a key player in re-establishing ties with Beijing since he got elected in 2008. Others say, this meeting will surely have an impact since the presidential election in Taiwan is on the horizon. Ma’s meeting with the Chinese President may boost the polls in his political party’s favor.
Taiwan is not considered by China as a separate territory but arogue province, something that enrages the Taiwanese locals. Although the tension between the two countries has been present for decades, Taiwan’s economy remains linked with China. In fact, China is its biggest trade partner. Many factories in China are owned by Taiwanese companies.
This meeting maybe a historic turning point considering the period of time China and Taiwan remains separated but it is a small step towards the achievement of long-term peace between the two nations. Both presidents have not signed any agreements but their desire to achieve peace is unwavering. The world may need to standby a little longer to see the meeting’s effect on both nations.
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