EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calls on European countries to participate in so-called “freedom of navigation” operations in the Taiwan Strait. This is “incredibly stupid,” says international relations professor Rob de Wijk on the Boekestijn en De Wijk podcast. “We can’t have another big crisis because in Ukraine we don’t dent a pack of butter militarily.”
Borrell wrote in a French Sunday newspaper that he thinks it is wise for the EU to get involved in the conflict between Taiwan and China. Former MP Arend Jan Boekestijn wonders if Europe should want this. ‘What if I want to mediate again? And are we dependent on the Americans or are we also sailing an independent course?’
Semiconductor industry
Furthermore, the European Union does not have a federal structure, says Boekesteijn. Borrell is now calling for this action, but if Europe chooses not to, then you are showing a divided picture. Borrell is in a difficult position,” said the former MP. De Wijk agrees: “Everyone recognizes Taiwan’s geopolitical importance, but we need to think carefully about how to protect the island.”
“If the world’s largest semiconductor maker goes bankrupt, it could lead to total chaos”
Taiwan has the largest semiconductor industry in the world. “If TSMC – the world’s largest semiconductor maker – goes bankrupt, it could lead to total chaos,” fears De Wijk. According to Boekestijn, it is therefore very important that the complexity of this dossier is recognized and that Europe ‘does not limit itself to fighting for a free sea’.
Principle “for-what-is-what”.
According to De Wijk, Borrell’s call is based on the principle of “whatever comes first”. “The Americans are coming to Europe’s aid in Ukraine and Borrell thinks we should now show solidarity with the Americans in Taiwan.” Boekestijn also recognizes the urgency of supporting the Americans. “The Dutch military often thinks that too, but I think you should think about it more radically first. Because it could be that you will soon have a Chinese blockade.’
China regards Taiwan as a renegade province, and interference from other countries can therefore count on fierce resistance. According to De Wijk, it is therefore important that Europe “lives us more easily and finds something at the right time”. The professor adds that the other side of the coin is that China can buy with sanctions.
“It can only get out of hand”
Boekestijn also has this fear: ‘It may just get out of hand. If the Chinese react tensely to strange actions of the European Union, then you have a blockade that is even worse than the entire economic impact of the war in Ukraine.’
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
