Is Denmark’s apparent change in its “one China” policy a warning to Taiwan about what might come in the future? Denmark seems to move ahead alone, but if this policy is spreading to other EU member countries, it will make it even more difficult for Taiwanese to determine their own future. That the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government considers Taiwan a part of China might even encourage this development.
Denmark appears to be on its way to change its “one China” policy in direction of considering Taiwan as a part of China.
This is not only questioning Denmark’s democratic values, but put it on the side of China in its territorial claims in Asia.
It appears that Denmark holds to the antiquated belief that dominating countries have the right to territories in their neighborhood without asking the local population, as Russia has done in Ukraine.
The apparent policy change is obvious from the Danish Foreign Ministry’s Web site, where Taiwan is listed as a part of China together with the Chinese flag and a map shows Taiwan as a part of China.
In a correspondence with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry does not acknowledge that this is an error, but refers to the general and ongoing evaluation of the content of the Web site.
The chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Danish parliament is in line with the Danish foreign ministry.
In conclusion, an evaluation of the content of the Web site has approved that Taiwan is a part of China.
Moreover, since the ministry does not admit to any mistakes, Denmark’s “one China” policy has changed and it has broken with the policy of the vast majority of countries in the international community.
The vast majority of countries’ “one China” policy consider the People’s Republic of China as the sole government of China, but the same policy does not mention Taiwan.
Consequently, Taiwan is not considered as a part of China.
More than ever, it is clear that investments and trade with China has a higher value than democratic ideals. When it comes to Taiwan, its 23 million people are of minor importance, despite the fact that Taiwanese do not want to be part of China.
Today, the Sunflower movement and various demonstrations have shown that the so-called peaceful development between Taiwan and China over the past six years has met with great skepticism and clear demands for much greater transparency.
China’s aggressive behavior in the South and East China seas have made Asian countries concerned about its growing military and economic power.
Concerns raised by the US, Japan and Vietnam at the last meeting of Asia’s Security Forum are shared by other Asian countries.
Denmark is taking a European solo ride in changing its “one China” policy to support China’s claim to Taiwan.
Considering the most recent developments in Taiwan, and China’s behavior, it does not bode well for Denmark’s international reputation, but at least the two pandas that Denmark will receive from China over the coming year will feel right at home.
Michael Danielsen is chairman of Taiwan Corner.
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