About Session
The People’s Republic of China claims that the islands of Taiwan are an inalienable part of China, and that it reserves the right to use military power to achieve reunification. In Taiwan, the Democratic Progressive Party has five times won office on a platform espousing Taiwanese independence, leading the Chinese government to warn that any declaration or act of “independence” will lead to military intervention. While pretending to respect the idea that there is only “One China”, the United States has long prepared to use its military power to prevent a forcible takeover of Taiwan.
The left internationally has generally supported the right of small nations to national independence. Should that also apply to Taiwan in any conflict with China? Phil Griffiths will introduce the politics of “One China”, “Taiwanese independence” and discuss their impact on the class struggle in Taiwan and globally.