Taiwan (Formosa Islands ) Were Part Of Japan And Were Gifted By General Mc Arthur To PRC After Japanese Defeat In WW-2
Rajiv Upadhyay 
Japan’s New Nationalist Prime Minister, Takaichi has sparked a severe reaction from China over her statement indicating possible military action by Japan if Taiwan is attacked by China . It is a bold shift in Japan’s stand on Taiwan . But it has good reasons . Japan’s ‘s farthest island Yonaguni is just 111 kms from Taiwan . Taiwan strait is a crucial shipping link for Japan and any blockade can cripple Japan .
Japan has condemned a social media post by Chinese Consul-General Xue Jian in Osaka following Takaichi’s remark. Xue said “the intruding dirty neck must be cut off without a moment’s hesitation.” The government has explained that Takaichi’s remark did not deviate from Japan’s position regarding Taiwan, which itself has not changed from what is stated in the Japan-China Joint Communique of 1972.
It is not so well known that in 1895 Qing dynasty of China had surrendered the Taiwan islands to Japan after a decisive military defeat, by the treaty of Shimonoseki . Japan tried developing Taiwan as a model colony unlike exploitative colonialism of the British . However after defeat of Japan in second world war , General Mac Arthur decreed it be given to People’s republic of China under Chiang Kai Shek .
During Mao’s communist revolution in 1949 and establishment of modern China , Taiwan was never won by communist forces . Taiwan remained under nationalist Chinese leadership of Chiang Kai Shek .
However in 1952 treaty , Japan formally handed over Taiwan to Chiang Kai Shek . But in 1972 Japan unilaterally cancelled this treaty but status quo was to continue.
Therefore Chinese claim on Taiwan is un substantiated by history from 1895 Sino – Japanese war and defeat of Qing dynasty.
However if the present status continues no one will have any objection . But Japan is too weak militarily at present . USA is losing will to defend Tiawan in spite of its Treaty obligations. Trump’s carrot of G-2 to Xi Jinping is an indication of the future . Taiwan may be ultimately handed over to China in Hong Kong fashion unless some military alliance is willing to stop Chinese march over Asia. In a deal by USA Asia and Africa will be handed over to China and OECD countries to USA . A divided Europe may be unhappy but will be helpless .
This will be utterly un acceptable to India , Russia , Japan and South Korea as well as ASEAN countries . But ASEAN countries are also weak and divided .
Therefore collective defence by rest of Asia can alone save the freedom of Asian countries . But Asia is waiting for emergence of a Bismark !
Who will bell the cat?
