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8 x KC-46A airborne from McGuire

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December 9, 2025 at 3:59 PM
spectralcodex.com
I asked a follow-up question, essentially "examine PRC claims to Taiwan under international law and evaluate them on merit". Maybe it's Perplexity using some extra secret sauce but... these answers seem pretty good to me overall. Sources: GTI, Lawfareblog, CSIS, jstor, etc.
Screenshot from a Perplexity/Deepseek answer about PRC claims to Taiwan: The People's Republic of China's (PRC) claims over Taiwan are complex and multifaceted, with some elements having more legal merit than others under international law. Let's examine the key aspects of the PRC's position and analyze their validity: Succession of States Theory The PRC claims it is the successor state to the Republic of China (ROC) and thus inherits sovereignty over all ROC territories, including Taiwan. This argument has some basis in international law, as the PRC did replace the ROC in most international bodies, including the United Nations16. However, this theory is complicated by Taiwan's continued de facto independence and separate governance since 1949. UN Resolution 2758 The PRC frequently cites UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 as evidence of its sovereignty over Taiwan. However, this interpretation is an overreach15. The resolution primarily addresses China's representation in the UN, recognizing the PRC as "the only lawful representatives of China to the United Nations"16. It does not explicitly address Taiwan's status or sovereignty. Screenshot from a Perplexity/Deepseek answer about PRC claims to Taiwan: One China Principle The PRC's insistence on the "One China" principle forms the core of its claim. While this principle is widely acknowledged diplomatically, it's important to note that many countries' "One China" policies are intentionally ambiguous and do not necessarily equate to recognition of PRC sovereignty over Taiwan2. Territorial Integrity Argument Beijing often frames potential military action against Taiwan as an internal matter, citing territorial integrity. This argument relies on the premise that Taiwan is already part of China, which is contested1. International law generally prohibits the use of force, with exceptions for self-defense or UN Security Council authorization. Deeper Analysis Legitimate Concerns: Historical claims: The PRC's position is partly rooted in historical claims to Taiwan, dating back to the Qing Dynasty and the outcome of World War II13. International recognition: The PRC's position is strengthened by the fact that most countries officially recognize it as the sole legitimate government of China16. Strategic interests: While not a legal argument, the PRC's desire to control Taiwan is driven by legitimate strategic concerns about its maritime security and regional influence. Screenshot from a Perplexity/Deepseek answer about PRC claims to Taiwan: Problematic or Propagandistic Elements: Misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758: The PRC's expansive interpretation of this resolution goes beyond its actual text and intent153. Disregard for self-determination: The PRC's position largely ignores the principle of self-determination and the wishes of Taiwan's population15. Selective application of international law: The PRC often invokes international law when it supports its position but disregards it when it doesn't, particularly concerning the use of force14. Oversimplification of Taiwan's status: The PRC's stance doesn't account for the complex historical and political developments that have shaped Taiwan's current status7. Conclusion While the PRC's claims to Taiwan have some basis in historical and legal arguments, they are not unequivocally supported by international law. The situation is further complicated by Taiwan's decades-long de facto independence, its fulfillment of criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention, and the principle of self-determination56. The international community's approach to this issue remains largely pragmatic, balancing recognition of the PRC with unofficial relations with Taiwan. This ambiguity in international relations reflects the complex and contested nature of Taiwan's status under international law.
February 7, 2025 at 8:38 AM