According to the Taiwanese Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC, over 40% of the world’s transported goods cross the Taiwan Strait, so a supposed military conflict between China and Taiwan would have an “immense economic impact.”
Wu emphasized Taiwan’s geographical location, noting that “more than 60% of the world’s chips and 90% of the most advanced semiconductors are made on the island.” This would further indicate that “a war in Taiwan would disrupt over 40% of world trade.” He added that “most countries trust that it will not happen because [the war] would be a disaster not only for Taiwan but also for China and the world.”
According to Wu, the most crucial issue regarding Taiwan is maintaining the “status quo.” He stated, “I hope it doesn’t happen, but it could spark World War III.”
It should be noted that Beijing believes that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of a single China. On April 21, China’s Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, called Western criticism of China’s position on Taiwan “absurd” and highlighted the need to protect China’s sovereignty and security against what he called separatism. The senior official emphasized that Taiwan has been part of the nation since ancient times, and China is trying to protect the authority of the UN and preserve the principle of one China.
The situation in Taiwan remains a source of tension and disagreement between China and the international community, as well as within Taiwan itself. While the likelihood of a military conflict between China and Taiwan remains low, the potential economic and geopolitical consequences of such a conflict are significant.