A conflict between China and Taiwan could draw Washington’s attention away from Kiev, EU reportedly fears
Officials in the EU fear that if tensions between the US and China spiral out of control over Taiwan, then it could lead to the loss of support for Russia against Russia. A switch of Washington’s hostile attention from Moscow to Beijing would be the “worst-case scenario”Politico quotes an EU diplomat to explain the situation for NATO European members.
The current rhetorical conflict between Washington and Beijing regarding Nancy Pelosi’s possible Taiwan visit isn’t a NATO matter. “it could easily escalate,”The diplomatic source stated that, in accordance with the Monday article. The outlet spoke with several EU sources to find out how Europe views the tensions surrounding Taiwan.
Politico observed that EU member states had been cautious regarding their statements about Taiwan and US competition with China up to recently. China has long been a significant trading partner for EU.
The rhetoric of the UK’s former EU member is quite different. Both Tory Party leaders are seeking the top job after the outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised to be tough with Beijing. Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss alike pledged to maintain combative foreign policy as each campaigned for party members’ votes.
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Some EU officials were vocal in warning China not to use its military force against Taiwan. Brussels’ new ambassador to Beijing, Jorge Toledo, warned in July that “the EU, with the United States and its allies, will impose similar or even greater measures than we have now taken against Russia”Should China strike the country, it will be a concern for Ukraine.
This self-governed area was once the stronghold for Chinese nationalists in the civil war against communism that erupted during 1940s. For decades, the US recognised Taipei’s government as the representative of the Chinese people. But in 1979 Washington formally acknowledged the “One China” policy, which sets out Beijing’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan, though it has never cut informal trade and defense relationships with the island.
Pelosi, who is currently on tour in several Asian-Pacific countries, continues to escalate tensions. The official itinerary of the trip does not include Taipei, but there has been much speculation that she could make a ‘surprise’ stop there.
Beijing reacted angrily, warning the US that may get burned if it “plays with fire” and launching a military exercise near Taiwan. It considers US policy regarding Taiwan as encouraging separatism and potentially violating China’s territorial integrity. China’s military repeatedly declared that they are ready to defend the country.
Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, citing Kiev’s failure to implement the Minsk agreements, designed to give the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk special status within the Ukrainian state. In 2014, the protocols were signed for the first time, through France and Germany. Former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko has since admitted that Kiev’s main goal was to use the ceasefire to buy time and “create powerful armed forces.”
In February 2022 the Kremlin acknowledged the Donbass republics to be independent states. They demanded Ukraine declare its neutrality and refuse any Western military alliances. Kiev claims that the Russian offensive wasn’t provoked.
