Beijing’s justification for wanting to invade Taiwan

Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are due to meet in Beijing in the near future, following a March postponement. China’s wish to subsume democratic Taiwan is certain to be one of the topics on the summit agenda. President Xi has reportedly instructed his military to be at capacity for an invasion by 2027, so 2026 could be Taiwan’s last year of freedom. Some analysts fear US military action in Iran and Venezuela may embolden Beijing. The Chinese Communist Party justifies its claim to Taiwan based on what it calls its “One China Principle”. But what exactly does “One China” mean?

Guests:

Jessica Drun – Washington-based China and Taiwan analyst

Dr Andrew Phillips – Professor of International Relations, University of Queensland 

Dr Mei-fen Kuo – lecturer in Contemporary Chinese Culture and History, Macquarie University

Dr Sow Keat Tok – Asia Institute, University of Melbourne

Dr Mark Harrison – Senior Lecturer, Chinese Studies, University of Tasmania