Pelosi’s visit does a disservice to Taiwan and the U.S.


Christopher J. Dawe is a New Hampshire native and the principal of the Hübschmann Zhan International School in Shenyang, China. He is a Ph.D. candidate at University College London, where he studies the history of Sino-American educational exchanges.

As a New Hampshire native who has lived in China for nearly a decade, I watched the spectacle of Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan from a somewhat unique perspective.

I love my country and am a proud America. As such, of course, I view the world through an American lens. During, however, this dangerous time of deteriorating relations it is vital that Americans strive to see how China views the world, especially Taiwan.

When Chinese politicians speak of Taiwan being an integral part of China, it is not empty political discourse. It is, rather, the sincere and heartfelt view of most Chinese citizens. While it is easy to dismiss this as simply the result of propaganda, I do not believe this is the case. The many Chinese who were educated in the United States or another country with unfettered news still believe Taiwan is fundamentally part of China.

Speaking broadly, Chinese people do not see Taiwan through a political or international relations lens. Instead, they see Taiwan as a historical issue, dating back to 1895 when the Empire of Japan seized the island from China.

To the Chinese, this time is known as the Century of Humiliations, a period when China was being carved up by imperialist forces. Hong Kong, of course, was annexed by the British to further the opium trade and Germany controlled Shandong province through World War I, after which, the allies gave the province to Japan. Portugal had Macau, France had parts of several cities, Russia had what is now the city of Dalian and so on.

(As a historical irony, Chinese in the nineteenth century often had a positive view of the United States as being less heavy-handed and imperial-minded than its European counterparts).

In a very real way, then, the Chinese see Taiwan as the last humiliation that needs to be resolved and reunification as a national goal. Make no mistake about it, Speaker Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan was not merely a challenge to the Chinese Communist Party, it was viewed as a national insult by the Chinese population and certainly rallied Chinese support for their government.

Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was knowingly and deliberately provocative. Still, I might have understood her purpose if the congresswoman had given any sort of strategic rationale for her visit. But there was none. There were vague promises and flowery words but, aside from angering China, the Speaker’s visit to Taiwan accomplished nothing.

Even the often-hawkish Thomas Friedman was opposed. As he recently wrote in a New York Times op-ed, her visit was a reckless move that could lead to war and, in the end, “Taiwan will not be more secure or more prosperous as a result of this purely symbolic visit.”

This was also the view of President Biden’s international security team, from the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff to the director of the CIA.

In addition to not helping Taiwan, Speaker Pelosi’s visit did nothing to advance American interests. Certainly, she did nothing to slow the steady downward spiral of Sino-American relations. It also seems likely that she harmed the image of the United States around the world .

Allies of the United States, especially those in the Pacific region, are rightly concerned at this unnecessary provocation. The Guardian articulated this best with an article entitled, “Nancy Pelosi’s Visit to Taiwan Risks Upsetting Beijing to No Advantage.”

As of today, the Chinese response has been strong and militant but also seems designed to avoid intensification. Still, the risks of a dangerous spiral are evident and policymakers and legislators in both countries should work towards de-escalation and stability.

I hope that going forward American leaders carefully consider their next moves, strive to understand the Chinese context and avoid acts of political showmanship that serve no purpose. Not doing so sets us on a collision course with China.






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Jorge Oliveira

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