Individual Assignment Week 2: Current Events In Your Opinion

Individual Assignment Week 2 Current Eventsin Your Opinion What Is

In this assignment, students are asked to analyze the future of Hong Kong and Taiwan, considering whether these territories will be fully annexed by Mainland China, and to discuss the global economic and political implications of China's potential actions. Additionally, students must evaluate the likelihood of the United States and the international community intervening or withdrawing in response to China's aggression. The responses should be between one and four paragraphs per question, reflecting personal analysis and rationale. Students are instructed to answer in their own words, citing sources only if quoting directly, with a focus on original articulation rather than research recall. The goal is to demonstrate understanding and critical thinking about geopolitical tensions and their broader consequences.

Paper For Above instruction

The future of Hong Kong and Taiwan remains a pivotal concern in international geopolitics, with China’s increasing assertiveness raising fears of full annexation. Historically, Hong Kong was handed over from Britain to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” agreement, which promised a degree of autonomy that has since been eroded. Given China’s unwavering stance on territorial integrity, it is plausible to foresee a scenario where Beijing intensifies efforts to assimilate Hong Kong fully, potentially through political pressure or coercion. Taiwan presents a more complex challenge; as a self-governing democracy with a distinct identity, its annexation would mark a significant escalation in China's ambitions. While China has not yet explicitly declared intentions to annex Taiwan, increasing military pressure and diplomatic isolation suggest a future where conflict or force could be employed.

The global economic and political repercussions of China’s aggressive moves could be profound. Economically, a forced annexation of Hong Kong or Taiwan could disrupt global supply chains—especially in electronics, semiconductors, and finance—since Taiwan is a critical player in the global tech industry. Politically, such actions might lead to the realignment of international alliances, with the U.S. and its allies potentially imposing sanctions or increasing military support to Taiwan. The destabilization could also trigger regional arms races and heighten tensions in the Indo-Pacific, complicating international efforts for stability. Furthermore, aggressive Chinese policies might undermine the existing global order, challenging principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity established after World War II.

The response of the U.S. and the global community remains uncertain. Historically, the United States has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan’s defense, supporting it through arms sales and diplomatic means. In the event of Chinese forceful annexation, the U.S. may face a dilemma: to intervene militarily, risking escalation into a broader conflict, or to impose economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Many experts argue that a significant U.S. response, including military intervention, is unlikely unless vital national interests are directly threatened, due to the risk of broader conflict. Conversely, others believe international pressure—via sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and increased military readiness—could serve as deterrence but might not prevent eventual Chinese expansion. Global response will likely depend on the severity and timing of Chinese actions, but the international community's stance could significantly influence regional security and stability.

References

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