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Lacking a real executive power, international law is basically a conversational framework in which we phrase diplomacy, which ultimately remains a balance of po

Lacking a real executive power, international law is basically a conversational framework in which we phrase diplomacy, which ultimately remains a balance of power. Or more simply, power ultimately always trump international law. Which is to say, the legal position on Taiwan is frankly insignificant compared to the interests of China and the US (not to mention the people of ROC themselves), as either party will end up doing whatever they can get away with. They may cherry pick some international law arguments, or make up something, but it's only a talking point either way.

yogthos 4y ago
Sure, and if you look at the map it becomes obvious that US cannot beat China by force in their own backyard. So, all US is accomplishing in the long run is to create conditions that may lead to a direct conflict between two nuclear superpowers because US wants to be able to project its power in Asia.
- rich_sasha 4y ago
  Perhaps, but my point is, the legal position is almost irrelevant. To flip it around, if ROC was clearly a legally independent entity and PRC didn't like it, this whole debacle would look the same.
  - yogthos 4y ago
    The only reason there is a debacle is because US is interfering in internal affairs of a country half way across the world.
    - rich_sasha 4y ago
      This kind of tussle is sadly part and parcel of being a superpower. China does it, Russia does it, US does it. Like with nuclear deterrence, it sucks but if you don't do it, you lose to those who do.
      - yogthos 4y ago
        Except US does it on a whole different scale. What US is doing in Taiwan would be equivalent to China or Russia funding and arming a separatist movement in Texas or Florida. And of course, you're right that we live in a might makes right world, but there in lies the problem for US. As China becomes more powerful and assertive, this kind of behavior will lead to a confrontation sooner or later.

yogthos 4y ago

Sure, and if you look at the map it becomes obvious that US cannot beat China by force in their own backyard. So, all US is accomplishing in the long run is to create conditions that may lead to a direct conflict between two nuclear superpowers because US wants to be able to project its power in Asia.

rich_sasha 4y ago
Perhaps, but my point is, the legal position is almost irrelevant. To flip it around, if ROC was clearly a legally independent entity and PRC didn't like it, this whole debacle would look the same.
- yogthos 4y ago
  The only reason there is a debacle is because US is interfering in internal affairs of a country half way across the world.
  - rich_sasha 4y ago
    This kind of tussle is sadly part and parcel of being a superpower. China does it, Russia does it, US does it. Like with nuclear deterrence, it sucks but if you don't do it, you lose to those who do.
    - yogthos 4y ago
      Except US does it on a whole different scale. What US is doing in Taiwan would be equivalent to China or Russia funding and arming a separatist movement in Texas or Florida. And of course, you're right that we live in a might makes right world, but there in lies the problem for US. As China becomes more powerful and assertive, this kind of behavior will lead to a confrontation sooner or later.