Issues of implementing the "One China" policy in China–Taiwan relations relations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Keywords:
People’s Republic of China (PRC); RepublicofChina (Taiwan); «one China» policy; WorldHealthOrganization (WHO); COVID-19 pandemicAbstract
The article examines the conflict between the PRC and the Republic of China (Taiwan) during the coronavirus pandemic around Taipei’s desire to strengthen its international legal status by gaining the right to participate in the World Health Assembly and membership in the WHO, which contradicted the «one China» policy conducted by the People’s Republic of China in international relations. The article explains «medical diplomacy» as a tool of Taipei’s foreign policy to achieve this goal and the parties’ unsuccessful attempts to de-escalate the conflict by offering humanitarian medical assistance to each other. The authors have concluded that China – Taiwan relations have significantly deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the PRC has maintained political leverage over the international community to prevent recognition of Taiwan’s independence.
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