A Crazy Idea about Taiwan
If we start from the assumption that China does not seek World Domination, merely a respected place at the table, there are still major ethical and strategic questions to work out, personally and at higher political levels. Rights of people inside China’s borders, for one.
But first, what are China’s borders? This not clear with respect to India’s claims in Ladakh, at least six other countries’ claims in the South China Sea, and, maybe most significantly of all, with respect to the sovereignty of Taiwan.
By merely raising the question of whether Taiwan lies within China’s borders, on a searchable digital publication like Medium, I might jeopardize my chances of getting a Visa to enter China. By merely not listing Taiwan on a Flight Schedule as if it is a part of China, airline companies lose any chance of flying to there.
The People’s Republic of China, as presently constituted and governed, will NEVER give up its claim to Taiwan. It is more unthinkable than the Berlin Wall coming down. More unthinkable than 9/11. Which is to say, it could happen. But it is not a good strategic bet.
Suppose China and the rest of the world get everything else right … How the heck do we solve this one?
Admit that it is unsolvable and change the terms of the situation.
Move Taiwan.
By which I mean, move the parts of Taiwan that can move: People, Institutions, Know-How, Culture.
In fact, it has already happened. Taiwanese people emigrated all over the world in the 1980s and formed communities in many North American, European and Asian cities. Now the same thing needs to happen in a much more thorough way so when the People’s Republic of China assumes full jurisdiction over the island, person and every institution that does not want to live as a PRC citizen will have left.
Different countries of the world would have different programs to attract the new generation of Taiwanese immigrants, on the expectation that they will be contributors in a new place. Has an entire populace ever left, taking its tangible and intangible assets along? If it is not done under the gun, I think it could work.
People would have to leave behind things they love. Place matters. But many people will make the sacrifice of leaving a homeland when it is the best course for their family’s future.
Xi Jinping wants Taiwan as soon as possible. The closer the world gets to direct conflict, the harder it will be the solve the problem.
Moving Taiwan needs to start Now, and no international agreement is needed. Taiwanese people will either decide this is their best bet and get a jump on the inevitable dynamics, or not. People will notice as it is happening, which may help.
When and if it becomes clear that the esteemed National Taiwan University is up and moving to, say, Montreal, China is probably not going to be pleased. Why does National Taiwan University have to be in Taiwan? What would be the basis of China’s opposition, assuming the Moving-Taiwan plan actually happens?
Institutions can move. The Dodgers left Brooklyn. Boeing moved from Seattle to Chicago.
Taiwan can leave.
That’s my solution.