Internationalisation of the Taiwan Question: Lessons for UK and Wider Europe

Author: Bernardo Mariani

Rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait make the possibility of a military confrontation that leads to an all-out war more likely, although not inevitable. Alongside the three main protagonists in the crisis (the PRC, Taiwan, and the US), other actors – including the European Union (EU) and its member states, and the UK – have strong interests in preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for for economic and political purposes.

This brief shares key findings and recommendations for how Europe can strike a balance between principles and pragmatism in promoting peaceful management of the Taiwan question.

The Global Transitions Series looks at fragmentations in the global order and how these impact peace and transition settlements. It explores why and how different third-party actors – state, intergovernmental, and non-governmental – intervene in conflicts, and how they see themselves contributing to reduction of conflict and risks of conflict relapse. The series critically assesses the growth and diversification of global and regional responses to contemporary conflicts. It also asks how local actors are navigating this multiplicity of mediators and peacebuilders and how this is shaping conflict outcomes and post-conflict governance.