The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, the largest naval exercise in the region, are aimed at deepening international collaboration and interaction while strengthening tactical capabilities and flexibility in tackling maritime crises.
China was invited to participate in RIMPAC in 2014 and 2016, but it was excluded this year. The underlying reason is that Beijing’s ambitions of regional expansion and challenging the international order have raised global concern. The world has made clear its suspicions of China, and its exclusion from RIMPAC this year will bring about a sea change in years to come.
The purpose of excluding China is primarily to maintain regional security and stability. Beijing has disrupted peace, and the international community believes that its participation would not benefit the military exercise. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) flouts international law and is engaged in intimidating neighboring countries. Therefore, excluding China from RIMPAC is aimed at reducing political tensions. This decision provides insight into the perception of the CCP’s behavior among Pacific countries, including Taiwan.
The exclusion from RIMPAC will detract from China’s influence on the international stage. Furthermore, its exclusion suggests that its national defense and military tactics will take a hit from losing the opportunity to engage in military collaboration with other countries. Worse yet, it is highly likely to sour its political relationships with these countries. In the final analysis, China’s political clout will diminish because of this exclusion.
China’s absence from RIMPAC shows that the world has lost faith in the prospect of China’s peaceful rise. Taiwan and its democratic allies across the globe must unite to foil its ulterior motives and to maintain regional security. As one of the world’s democracies, Taiwan undoubtedly has a responsibility to participate in international affairs and assist in constraining China, and help safeguard democratic values and stand up to any threats that might shake the foundations of democracy.
Chen Chun is an international affairs researcher.
Translated by Chen Chi-huang
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