The Taiwan Question

Context: There is a political battle over the question of inviting Taiwan to join the discussion as an observer in World Health Assembly. It is more difficult for India to take sides as it is set to be elected as the chairman of the executive board of the WHO.

The debate

• Proponents: Taiwan’s success in dealing with the coronavirus and its role in contributing to international cooperation against the COVID challenge can be a game changer for rest of the world.

• US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand are calling for Taiwan’s presence in the WHO deliberations.

• Against: Even though Taiwan has attended WHO meetings between 2009 to 2016, China opposes it participation as it claims Taiwan to be its territory under its “One-China policy”. 

• Western Countries and China both are using diplomatic heft to press India to support their position.

India’s choice on the Taiwan question 

• Not to be based on peevishness or fear

• Pay back China in the same coin: Chinese efforts to get the United Nations Security Council to discuss the Kashmir question. Do not blindly follow a “One China” policy.
• Dangers of upsetting China: as there is no basis for combining Taiwan’s presence as observer at WHO proceedings with India’s consistent “One China” policy.
• China’s Veto: by accepting China’s views, India cannot afford to cede to Beijing a veto over its approach to multilateral issues.
• A sensible middle path for India: lies in the apolitical appreciation of the specific technical issues involved and an objective merit-based decision.