STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF TAIWAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context: Taiwan's defence ministry claimed that over the past 24 hours it had detected 20 Chinese air force planes entering the island's air defence zone, including a combat drone that flew along Taiwan's Pacific east coast.

Strategic Significance of Taiwan

• Taiwan is situated in a strategically important location in the western Pacific Ocean, adjacent to China, Japan, and the Philippines. Its location provides a natural gateway to Southeast Asia and the South China Sea, which are critical for global trade and security.
• It is a major producer of high-tech electronics, including semiconductors, and is home to some of the world's largest technology companies.
• Taiwan produces over 60% of the world's semiconductors and over 90% of the most advanced ones.
• Taiwan has a modern and capable military that is focused on defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Taiwan is a major focus of regional and global geopolitics, with the potential to influence the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.