China's Influence and the Center-Periphery Tug of War in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beyond

China's growing economic and political power has had a profound impact on the Asia-Pacific region, particularly on the former British colonies of Hong Kong and Taiwan. These two territories have long been considered gateways to China, and their strategic importance has only increased in recent years as China has emerged as a global superpower.

China’s Influence and the Center-periphery Tug of War in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indo-Pacific (Routledge Studies on Challenges, Crises and Dissent in World Politics)

by Brian C. H. Fong

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15402 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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China's influence on Hong Kong and Taiwan is multifaceted and complex. Economically, China is Hong Kong's largest trading partner, and Taiwan's second largest. Chinese investment has also played a major role in the development of both economies. Politically, China has sought to exert greater control over both territories, particularly in recent years. This has led to tensions between China and the governments of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as between China and the United States, which has long been a major player in the Asia-Pacific region.

The relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is often described as a "center-periphery" relationship. In this model, China is seen as the center, and Hong Kong and Taiwan are seen as peripheries. The center-periphery model suggests that China has a dominant influence over Hong Kong and Taiwan, and that this influence is primarily economic.

However, the center-periphery model is not without its critics. Some scholars argue that it oversimplifies the relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan. They point out that Hong Kong and Taiwan are both highly developed economies with their own distinct political and social systems. They also argue that China's influence over Hong Kong and Taiwan is not simply economic, but also political and cultural.

The center-periphery model is a useful way to understand the broad contours of the relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, it is important to remember that this model is only a starting point for analysis. The relationship between China and these two territories is complex and multifaceted, and it is constantly evolving.

China's Economic Influence

China's economic influence on Hong Kong and Taiwan is undeniable. China is Hong Kong's largest trading partner, and Taiwan's second largest. Chinese investment has also played a major role in the development of both economies.

In Hong Kong, Chinese investment has been particularly significant in the real estate sector. In recent years, Chinese developers have purchased large tracts of land in Hong Kong, and they have built a number of luxury residential and commercial properties. This has led to rising property prices in Hong Kong, which has made it increasingly difficult for locals to afford housing.

In Taiwan, Chinese investment has been more focused on the manufacturing sector. Chinese companies have invested heavily in Taiwan's electronics industry, and they have also established a number of factories in Taiwan. This has helped to boost Taiwan's economy, but it has also led to concerns about Taiwan's economic dependence on China.

The economic relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is mutually beneficial. China benefits from access to these two markets, and Hong Kong and Taiwan benefit from Chinese investment. However, there are also some concerns about the long-term consequences of China's economic influence on these two territories.

China's Political Influence

China's political influence on Hong Kong and Taiwan is more complex than its economic influence. China has long sought to exert greater control over both territories, and this has led to tensions between China and the governments of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In Hong Kong, China has used its economic power to pressure the government to adopt policies that are more favorable to China. For example, in 2014, China pressured the Hong Kong government to withdraw a bill that would have allowed for the extradition of suspected criminals to China. This led to widespread protests in Hong Kong, and it is seen as a major turning point in the relationship between China and Hong Kong.

In Taiwan, China has used a combination of military threats and diplomatic pressure to try to force the government to accept its claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. However, the Taiwanese government has resisted these pressures, and it has maintained its de facto independence from China.

The political relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is likely to remain tense for the foreseeable future. China is determined to exert greater control over these two territories, but the governments of Hong Kong and Taiwan are determined to resist this pressure. The outcome of this struggle will have a major impact on the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

The Center-Periphery Tug of War

The relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is often described as a "center-periphery" relationship. In this model, China is seen as the center, and Hong Kong and Taiwan are seen as peripheries. The center-periphery model suggests that China has a dominant influence over Hong Kong and Taiwan, and that this influence is primarily economic.

However, as we have seen, the relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is not simply economic. China also exerts political and cultural influence over these two territories. Additionally, Hong Kong and Taiwan have their own distinct political and social systems, and they are not simply pawns of China.

The relationship between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is best understood as a "center-periphery tug of war." In this model, China is the center, and Hong Kong and Taiwan are the peripheries. However, the peripheries are not simply passive objects of Chinese influence. They are also active agents who have their own interests and goals.

The center-periphery tug of war is a complex and dynamic process. The outcome of this struggle will have a major impact on the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

China's influence on Hong Kong and Taiwan is a major issue in the Asia-Pacific region. China is a major economic and political power, and its influence on these two territories is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. However, the governments of Hong Kong and Taiwan are determined to resist China's pressure, and they are likely to continue to seek support from the United States and other Western powers.

The outcome of the center-periphery tug of war between China and Hong Kong and Taiwan is uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the stakes are high. The future of the Asia-Pacific region depends on the ability of these two territories to maintain their autonomy and resist China's pressure.

China’s Influence and the Center-periphery Tug of War in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indo-Pacific (Routledge Studies on Challenges, Crises and Dissent in World Politics)

by Brian C. H. Fong

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15402 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	391 pages

FREE