Taiwan and the South China Sea in Sino-ASEAN Relations—An Overview

The issue of the ‘one-China’ policy as well as the dispute over conflicting claims of ownership of the South China Sea islands has had a mixed effect on the relations between China and ASEAN. Profound changes in the political and economic system of China and its consequent impact on Taiwan–China relations as well as the institutionalisation of security related issues in Sino-ASEAN relations has generated various opinions among scholars and policy makers regarding the eventual outcome of the China-Taiwan problem. The mid-1990s saw some belligerent moves on the part of China both in the Taiwan straits and in the South China Sea islands. These unresolved issues are of continuing concern for neighbouring countries especially those part of the ASEAN with regard to peaceful and cordial relations between the ASEAN states and China. This article aims to explore these complex issues by tracing the background of China's attitude towards Taiwan both during Mao's rule as well as in the post-Mao period, as well as its impact on the ASEAN-China relations. This is done in the backdrop of the events in the Taiwan straits and the subsequent elections in Taiwan and of the seemingly unsettled problem regarding the issue of sovereignty over the South China Sea islands.