Strange Bedfellows: Beijing and Taipei’s South China Sea Policies

Abstract

Few observers notice that Beijing and Taipei espouse virtually identical policies vis-à-vis the South China Sea. When they do they see it as ironic, the two being mutually hostile. There are good reasons for this: Taipei’s claims bolster Beijing’s. They arguably support one-China. Taiwan’s military leaders see their position alone as unenforceable. Taiwan’s government and residents resent the UN’s demeaning attitude and exclusion of Taiwan from involvement.