New global order could emerge if China loses grip over Taiwan and the USA makes significant inroads.Donald Trump-headed United States surpassed China to become Taiwan’s numero uno export destination for Taiwan, said Chiou Jiunn-rong, an economics professor at National Central University, Focus Taiwan reported. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is not the “motherland” of the Republic of China (ROC) and has never owned Taiwan, President William Lai said, as reported by the Taipei Times, according to ANI.
Is Beijing Losing Grip over Taiwan Economy?
Chiou’s comments came after Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance announced that exports hit a record USD 51.74 billion in May, fueled by surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products. Information and communication technology (ICT), along with the audio/video sectors, led the growth. According to Focus Taiwan, the US accounted for 30 per cent of Taiwan’s total exports in May, overtaking China and Hong Kong, which together made up 27.2 per cent.
This shift marks a significant departure from Taiwan’s previous export structure, which once saw over 40 per cent of exports sent to China. Chiou noted that such concentration raised economic and geopolitical risks. With global supply chains adjusting and US-China tensions rising, Taiwan’s pivot toward the U.S. market reflects broader economic realignment, Focus Taiwan reported.
Chiou emphasised that exporting to a high-income country like the US brings distinct advantages, including access to more lucrative markets and stronger demand for advanced goods. He contrasted this with the economic vulnerabilities Taiwan faced when deepening trade ties with China under the 2010 Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which sparked fears of wage suppression and job losses due to “factor price equalisation.”
PRC-ROC Row Continues
Delivering the third in a planned series of 10 speeches across Taiwan, President William Lai addressed a Lions Clubs International banquet in Hsinchu, where he outlined external threats posed by China and emphasised Taiwan’s sovereign identity. According to the Taipei Times, Lai said that on June 21, the Taiwanese military detected 12 Chinese aircraft, eight of which entered Taiwanese airspace, as well as six Chinese warships operating around the nation.
Beyond direct military intimidation, Lai said Taiwan also faces “identity warfare” from China, which seeks to manipulate global perception by falsely claiming that Taiwan is part of its territory. China also engages in espionage targeting Taiwan’s military, citing groups such as the Rehabilitation Alliance Party and Taiwan Military Government, which include active and retired personnel, the Taipei Times reported.
Lai criticised Beijing’s coercion of Taiwanese artists to publicly claim the PRC as their motherland. He stressed this was historically inaccurate, noting that the ROC has a 114-year history, compared to the PRC’s 70 years, making the notion of Chinese ownership over Taiwan invalid.
Taiwan remains a generous and peaceful society, Lai said, pointing to its aid to China during natural disasters. However, he warned that China exploits Taiwan’s goodwill to conduct “united front” infiltration activities, according to the Taipei Times.
He also refuted China’s attempts to lure Taiwanese youth and entrepreneurs, stating that Beijing’s economic decline contradicts its portrayal as a land of opportunity. In contrast, Taiwan’s economy has remained strong, supported by proactive government policies aiding global business expansion.
Q1. What is capital of Taiwan?
A1. Taipei City is the capital of Taiwan.
Q2. What are full forms of PRC, ROC?
A2. Full forms of PRC, ROC are — People’s Republic of China (PRC), Republic of China (ROC).
