The Taiwan issue has been regarded as the most sensitive issue between China and the Unites States. Although China and the United States relations are in progress, the Taiwan independence issue has caused a conflict between Chinese government and American decision-makers for many years. So why the Taiwan issue is so important for the relationship between China and the U.S.? To analyze this issue, I will introduce you to two theories that could explain the behavior of the United States, China, and Taiwan.
Neo-realism and neo-liberalism are introduced in this conflict to give a better understanding of the behavior of these states.
Neo-realism is a theory that is supported by four important elements:
First and most fundamental, is the theory of anarchy which means the absence of any authority above states. Also, it means the absence of any power to reconcile conflicts between states. There is no superior power than the state to ensure order or stability in the world, and as a result there is no guarantee of safety for any state in the international community. Meaning, state is the only protector of its own security and borders. Every state is in a self-help situation,
Second, is that states have to have offensive military capabilities to defend themselves and therefore expand their power. , the military advance of one state is seen as a treat by the other one and usually raises more conflicts between the two states. The buildup of military resources and the ability to use this power is essential to control other state
Third, states can never be certain of the intentions of other states; there is a lack of trust in the international community. Cooperation with other states is fundamentally limited or absolutely doesn’t exist. States are egocentric and they don’t trust each other. Cooperation between states can only occur if the tow states see that there is a gain of interest with less loss from the other state. In other word a today’s friend...