Why the 'One China' policy works: Bloomberg View

(Dec 16): In questioning the “One China” policy that’s governed US-China relations for nearly four decades, President-elect Donald Trump seems to believe he’s wielding powerful leverage to persuade leaders in Beijing to give the US a better deal on trade. In fact, he’s setting himself up to fail -- and ignoring the more effective tools at his disposal.

The 1979 decision to withdraw diplomatic recognition from Taiwan and acknowledge the Beijing regime as the “sole legal government” of China has benefited the US as much as anyone. It’s enabled a relationship that has grown into the world’s most important, both economically and geopolitically. By leaving Taiwan’s status ambiguous, it’s also allowed the US to sell arms to its government and deter any Chinese attempt to retake the island by force. The policy has largely neutered what had been one of Asia’s most dangerous flashpoints and has allowed Taiwan’s democracy and economy to flourish. The alternative -- to risk a break in ties with China in favor of Taiwan -- would hardly further US interests.

It’s not even clear that such an outcome would benefit Taiwan. The island’s leaders make a strong case for greater legitimacy and security: membership in international organizations, the freedom to meet with US and other foreign officials, more sophisticated weapons and a stronger affirmation of the US commitment to defend the island in case of attack. And there is room for the US and other countries to provide Taiwan greater support, despite Chinese protests. But while most Taiwanese reject the idea of reunification with the mainland, they’re not asking for formal recognition from the US, which would almost certainly provoke hostilities with China. More to the point, they don’t want their fate to be a bargaining chip in Sino-U.S. negotiations -- up for sale if China offers Trump enough concessions on trade.

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