US' arming of Taiwan is poking nose into China's sovereignty

IF ACTIONS indeed speak louder than words, this week’s decision by the US to approve a record weapons sale to Taiwan is proof that the Trump administration is doing everything in its military power to trigger a confrontation with China.

- ABBEY MAKОЕ

THE $11.1 billion sale of a massive package of advanced weaponry for Taiwan is the second since US President Donald Trump returned to power in January. I AFP

(AFP)

The $11.1 billion sale (R186bn) of a massive package of advanced weaponry for Taiwan was greenlighted by Pete Hegseth’s Department of War and is the second since US President Donald Trump returned to power in January. The first was a $330 million deal for parts and components in November.

Predictably, China has taken umbrage at the move, correctly highlighting that under international law, and recognised by the UN, Taiwan is an integral part of China under the One-China Policy.

On October 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, titled “Restoration of the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations”.

The bulk majority of the international community, including the US, Russia and BRICS member states, recognises the One-China Policy as voted overwhelmingly through Resolution 2758. For example, in Africa, the only nation that does not adhere to the One-China Policy is the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).

The international appreciation of Resolution 2758 states that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, including the self-governing territory of Taiwan.

It is this loophole in the autonomy of Taiwan that China’s geopolitical adversaries have sought to exploit over the years.

The decision by the US to foster closer ties with Taiwan, including heavily arming the island, is part of Washington's strategy to checkmate Beijing.