Dangers of brinksmanship: On India and the Taiwan Strait crisis

• The recent shooting down of a Chinese drone by Taiwan’s military has marked a new phase in the already simmering tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese assertiveness

• China’s military is carrying out unprecedented military drills surrounding Taiwan.
• Some manoeuvres crossed the median of the Taiwan Strait.
• Chinese military is also asserting Beijing’s territorial claims by sending drones into Taiwan’s airspace.

India’s stand

• Most countries, including India, have preferred to stay out of the Taiwan issue
• Reasons: One China Policy and already complicated relations with China.
• But eventually, they will need to assess the implications to their own security interests of a serious crisis.
• Taiwan holds a crucial position in the global semiconductor industry.
• India’s recent reference to the “militarisation” of the strait is not a reflection of a major change in its approach.
• However, India has shown greater willingness to engage with Taiwan in the economic realm.
• India can cooperate with Taiwan in setting up an alternative base for semiconductor manufacturing in India.

Prelims Takeaway

• Semiconductors
• One China Policy
• Location based questions