Conflict over Taiwan could alter the course of global events
The Chinese military has been highly active around Taiwan, with China discussing reunification with the mainland. This has raised concerns for the Australian ambassador, who predicts when such a move by President Xi Jinping could happen.
In a recent speech, Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd cautioned about the potential global impact of a war over Taiwan. He noted the increasing military signals from China, including its latest exercises. If Xi Jinping, who celebrates his 71st birthday this month, were to pursue the reunification of Taiwan, it could happen within the next decade before he turns 80, according to Rudd.
The decision for China to take action would depend on its assessment of the effectiveness of American deterrence. "The economic, political, and geostrategic consequences of such a war would likely be on a scale not seen since World War II," Rudd said during his talk in Honolulu, Hawaii. After such a war, the world would look drastically different from what we know today.
The United States has expressed its concern over the Chinese military operations near the democratic-run Taiwan. These concerns arose even after the presidential elections on the island and the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te last month. China has urged the United States to stay out of its affairs concerning Taiwan. While Taiwan and the United States don't have official diplomatic ties, the United States is the primary international backer of the island.
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Australia, as a close ally of the United States, has expressed solidarity with its primary international backer of Taiwan, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan. If China's President Xi Jinping were to pursue the reunification of Taiwan within the next decade, Australia, with its strong military alliance with the US, could potentially provide support or contribute to the international response. The outcome of any conflict over Taiwan would have significant implications for Australia, given its strategic location and its robust economic ties with both China and the US.
