The long-standing conflict between China and Taiwan was a major theme at the Munich Security Conference, with Beijing issuing direct warnings to the US against interference while conducting military maneuvers around the island.
Taiwan was part of China until 1895, later occupied by Japan, and returned to Chinese rule in 1945. After losing the civil war in 1949, nationalist leaders fled to Taiwan, which has since governed itself independently.
China insists Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory under the “One China” principle, rejecting any notion of independence and reserving the right to use force.
Taiwan, with a population of about 24 million, sees itself as a self-governing state. Its strategic location makes it vital for regional security and global trade.
The US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state but remains its main arms supplier and economic partner, making the island a flashpoint in US-China relations.
In November 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo might intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan, sparking anger in Beijing.
Sources – Agencies
