Taiwan-China Conflict: Given the Convoluted History, What Solutions Can be Applied?
Julia Ho
09/02/2026
This paper examines the underlying causes and potential solutions to the ongoing conflict between Taiwan and China. Over the past year, tensions have remained high, contributing to international unease—particularly in the global economy. A key point of contention lies in differing perspectives: China views the issue as a domestic civil matter, while many other countries see it as an international conflict. While countries, especially the United States, hover at the edge of neutral alliance with Taiwan, they struggle to get involved without angering China. Yet the history of the Taiwanese island displays a region with a unique identity and history, giving reasons to encourage and pursue independence. Although neither side has formally declared war or taken significant military action, China has adopted an increasingly aggressive and intimidating stance. To foster a deeper understanding of both sides, this paper explores the historical context and evolution of the dispute, drawing on parallels with other global conflicts and the complex history between Taiwan and mainland China. While potential paths forward exist and will be discussed further in this paper, any proposed solution must strike a delicate balance—ensuring proactive defense without provoking China to the point of triggering a broader international crisis.