China-Taiwan conflict explained

Due to the war in Europe, researchers and analysts are on edge. Aside from analysing the present situation, many are focused on predicting the next area of conflict. Nonetheless, the one nation that comes up on top of the list of concerns is China, specifically the conflict between China and Taiwan.
We will understand the history and relations of Taiwan with China. How Taiwan is a separate entity? Why does the US support Taiwan? or why does China claim it? But first, let's start with its location on the map and the present situation.

Taiwan is a country in the East China sea, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC). To its Northwest is China, to the Northeast is Japan and to the south is the Philippines. The nation controls 168 islands; its main island is Formosa, where the Urban population resides the majority.

PRESENT SITUATION, CHINA-TAIWAN CONFLICT

Ukraine war's repercussions seem to affect far and wide, from trampling a country and damaging the global economy to inciting conflicts in other parts of the globe. Trending now is the growing tensions between China and Taiwan. The Ukraine war had become a manual for modern warfare for the military heads. The war had opened multiple areas and plans of action for the militaries to analyse and adapt. Taiwan and China are keeping a close eye on the situation and using the war as a case study to improve their operational capability. The entire conflict is a manual on invasion, defence, cyberwarfare and the importance of logistics. It is not restricted just to the military; even civilians studying warfare in Taiwan, many Taiwanese had already volunteered to aid Ukraine against Russia and are providing their services on the frontlines and gaining real-time combat experience.

HISTORY OF THE CHINA-TAIWAN CONFLICT

After the Civil war in 1949, the Republic of china split from the mainland (People's Republic of China) and considered itself an independent state while the People's Republic of China claimed Taiwan as inseparable. Currently, Taiwan has diplomatic relations with 15 nations including the Holy see. The US, Canada, Australia, Japan, the European Union and a few others have also established unofficial diplomatic relationships. 

Ever since 1949, Taiwan has witnessed multiple military aggression made by China: 

1. Taiwan Strait crisis of 1954.
2. Taiwan Strait crisis of 1958.
3. Taiwan Strait crisis of 1995.

Recent military pressure built up by China had kept the entire globe and not just Taiwan on edge, fearing the consequence of another conflict.

WHY DOES THE US SUPPORT TAIWAN IN THE CHINA-TAIWAN CONFLICT?

• Geographical Standpoint- Taiwan is located at a very sensitive location. If the US can sign defence agreements and set up a few military bases on Taiwan's soil, the US can easily cut off China's entire sea trade route.
• Economic Standpoint- Taiwan is the global leader when it comes to the production of semiconductor chips. China is Taiwan's largest exporter so much so that China spends more on semiconductor chips imported from Taiwan than it spends on oil.

CONCLUSION

The fact is China and Taiwan are both dependent on each other to keep their economies afloat. Taiwan has a trade surplus with China which brings growth to Taiwan's economy, boosts the companies operating there and brings Jobs to the market. At the same time, Taiwan provides substantial leverage against China if the US manages to establish itself there. 

There is nothing Black and White when it comes to Geopolitics. Two nations in conflict can still be trading on the same level as before, depending on the economic and socio-political interests. The increasing tension between China and Taiwan is surely a matter of concern and parties like the US mixing in between only makes the situation more complex. 

This was my understanding of the China-Taiwan conflict. Do share and comment!