Mrs Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the 3rd most powerful official of the United States Government, on Tuesday 2 August 2022, stepped foot on the soil of Taiwan in Taipei. This is happening in over 25 years by any US Official. Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit stands against President Joe Biden's advisory against her stop over in Taipei-Taiwan, during her recent tours of some Asian Countries.

Nancy Pelosi's visit, though termed “normal and unofficial”, infringes on the sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Fir a high ranking official of the US to actualise such a visit, in view of the US position on the "One China Principle", Beijing ought to be in the picture, if the US Governement is sincere about her position in recognising "One China" under Beijing, and Taiwan as a self-determined Province in China.

In the wisdom of President Joe Biden, a visit to Taiwan by a high ranking US Government official, at such a low turn in the bilateral relationship between the US and the PRC is seen as total unwise and unnecessarily arrogates an implied intention against Beijing, in view of the official position of the US, which recognises the “One China Principle”, which confers State recognition to the PRC and according Taiwan the status of a breakaway Province from the PRC.

To understand the diplomatic complexity in Mrs Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, a look into the “One China Principle” would reveal why the Government in Beijing initiated a military parade around the borders close to Taiwan.

The One China Principle:

The “One China principle” is the position held by the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the United Nations member-countries, that there is only one sovereign state under the name “China”, with the PRC serving as the sole legitimate government of that China, and Taiwan, seen as a part of China.

The United Nations in her resolution in 1991 replaced the Republic of China (ROC), as Taiwan is self-styled known by the countries who recognise her as an independent nation, with the PRC. From April 30, 1991, the ROC also officially recognized the PRC, while maintaining the claim of an exclusive mandate as the legitimate ruler of China. Both Beijing and Taipei recognise and accept the "One China Principle" but differ on which nation rules the "One China".

The relationship between the PRC and Taiwan can be likened to the struggle between an older and more stronger brother (PRC) with his younger and less powerful brother (ROC). The same picture offers the view in the struggle between the Nigerian Government and the agitators seeking a sovereign State of Biafra. In the case of Taiwan, Beijing recognises the Provincial Government over the Taiwan people, but refuses to accord the Island the status of an independent nation.

Interestingly, there are no major member-countries of the United Nations that recognise Taiwan as a sovereign State. Currently only 15 States in the 193 mations strong UN recognise Taiwan as an independent Republic of China; and to that extent, have official relations with Beijing: Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nicaragua, Palau, Paraguay, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland and Tuvalu.

The Position Of The United State On “One China Principle”

The United States recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government over China, acknowledging the position that China is "ONE", and that Taiwan is part of China.

The “One China” policy of the United States refers to a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan. It accepts that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain that there is but one China, and that Taiwan is a part of China. That policy settles the U.S. interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question.

The United States has formal relations with the PRC, and recognizes the PRC as the sole legal government over China, but maintains a friendly relationship with Taiwan.

Why Nancy Pelosi’s Visit Is Unconstitutional And A Provocation Of Beijing

In recent weeks, President Joe Biden had warned Beijing about invading Taiwan: a warning Beijing observed as unnecessary, which led to the issuing of a stern rebuttal, with an indication to “resolutely crush any attempt by the US to foster Taiwan’s independence.

Beijing has accused the US of clandestinely supporting Taiwan’s independence, pointedly telling Washington that she is “violating” its promise on Taiwan, and “interfering” in China’s affairs.

Chinese Minister of Defence, General Wei Fenghe, on Sunday 31 July 2022, amidst the rumours of Nancy Pelosi’s visit, sternly warned that anyone daring to secede Taiwan from China will have to prepare to “fight at all cost, and...will fight to the end”. He concluded by saying that it is the “only choice left for China”.

In the face of the diplomatic low-turn between Washington and Beijing, Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Tuesday, appeared provocative and uncalled for, at least in its timing and in the face of President Joe Biden’s advisory.

With the Russian/Ukraine war raging, bequeathing shortages in world food chain, another war between China and Taiwan must be avoided. The Government of the United State, in desling with the leadership in Taipei, must therefore be careful to err on the side of caution in her friendly side "normall dealings concerning the Taiwan Question.

Beijing's recent sanctions against Washington, which includes the suspension of talks on climate amd the cancellation of talks between the Defence hierarchy in the 2 countries throws up an escalated diplomatic tension between both countries is are words enough for the wise.

Ini Akpan Morgan writes from Abuja, Nigeria

We do not have time to argue with naive people.Pelosi is an icon and a typical American.Her trip to Taiwan cemented America as world power.