The global political landscape is fraught with complex disputes where powerful nations impose their will on smaller entities seeking recognition and self-determination. Two striking examples are the People's Republic of China's (PRC) stance towards Taiwan and the Greek Cypriot Administration's treatment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

 

Both Taiwan and the TRNC face political isolation, economic embargoes, and military threats from neighbors claiming sovereignty over them. This article explores the parallels between these situations, highlighting how aggressive policies by larger powers suppress the legitimate aspirations of smaller communities.

 

Historical Background

Taiwan and China's One-China Policy

 

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has been self-governed since 1949 after the Chinese Civil War ended with the ROC government retreating to the island. The People's Republic of China views Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. This has led to a sustained campaign by the PRC to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and assert its claim over the island.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared, "The Taiwan issue is purely an internal matter of China, and no external interference is allowed."¹ This uncompromising stance manifests in China's insistence that other nations adhere to the "One-China Policy," recognizing only the PRC and severing official ties with Taiwan.

 

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Cyprus Dispute

The TRNC declared independence in 1983, following years of ethnic cleansing and genocide, including a Greek-backed coup aiming to unite Cyprus with Greece (Enosis). The Turkish Cypriot community, facing oppression and threats to their existence, sought protection and self-determination. Türkiye intervened in 1974 under the Treaty of Guarantee to restore peace and protect Turkish Cypriots, following 11 years of persecution, ethnic cleansing and genocide after being forced out of the partnership government. Despite establishing a functioning democratic state, the TRNC remains recognized only by Türkiye.

 

The Greek Cypriot Administration, representing the Republic of Cyprus (RoC), claims sovereignty over the entire island. This claim is used to justify political and economic isolation of the TRNC, effectively imposing an embargo that hinders the region's development and suppresses the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

 

Former Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has asserted, "There is only one legal government in Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus, and we will not accept the division of our country."²

 

Political Isolation and International Pressure

Diplomatic Recognition and Participation

 

Both Taiwan and the TRNC struggle for international recognition due to aggressive policies by their neighbors.

 

- Taiwan: Out of 193 United Nations member states, only 15 maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.³ China leverages its economic power to pressure countries and international organizations to exclude Taiwan. For example, Taiwan is not a member of the World Health Organization, despite its advanced healthcare system and successful handling of health crises.

 

- TRNC: The TRNC is recognized solely by Türkiye. The Greek Cypriot Administration uses its EU membership to block any attempts by the TRNC to gain international recognition or participate in global forums. Turkish Cypriots are denied representation, and their voices are silenced on the international stage.

 

Founding TRNC President Rauf Denktaş lamented, "We are imprisoned in our own homeland, denied the right to speak and be heard internationally."⁴

 

Economic Embargoes and Restrictions

Economic isolation is a common tactic used to exert pressure.

 

- Taiwan: China restricts Taiwan's participation in international trade agreements and organizations. Taiwanese companies face barriers, and China's economic might is used to dissuade other nations from engaging with Taiwan economically.

 

- TRNC: The TRNC faces direct trade embargoes imposed by the Greek Cypriot Administration, supported by the European Union. Turkish Cypriot products cannot be exported freely, and there are severe restrictions on transportation and communication. This embargo cripples the TRNC's economy, limiting growth and prosperity.

 

TRNC President Ersin Tatar stated, "Our people suffer under unjust embargoes that violate our human rights and hinder our economic development."⁵

 

Military Threats and Security Concerns

Show of Force and Military Exercises

 

Military intimidation is employed to reinforce claims of sovereignty.

 

- China and Taiwan: The PRC conducts regular military exercises near Taiwan, including incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. These actions heighten tensions and serve as a constant threat of potential invasion.

 

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen responded, "We will not bow to pressure. Taiwan will defend its sovereignty and democratic way of life."⁶

- Greek Cypriot Administration and TRNC: The Greek Cypriot side, with support from Greece, has increased military capabilities, including acquiring advanced weapons. Joint military exercises with other countries are conducted close to the TRNC, creating a sense of siege.

 

President Ersin Tatar warned, "The militarization of the Greek Cypriot side poses a serious threat to peace and stability on the island."⁷

 

Double Standards in International Response

The international community's reactions reveal inconsistencies influenced by political and economic interests.

 

- Support for Taiwan: While many Western nations sympathize with Taiwan's democracy, they hesitate to offer full support due to China's global influence. The U.S. maintains unofficial relations and provides defensive weapons but stops short of formal recognition.

 

- Neglect of the TRNC: The TRNC's plight is largely ignored. Despite decades of negotiations and goodwill gestures, the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to share power equitably leads to a stalemate, yet the international community often blames both sides equally.

 

Former Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu remarked, "The unjust treatment of the Turkish Cypriot people is a glaring double standard that undermines trust in international institutions."⁸

 

Human Rights and Freedom of Movement

Restrictions on Citizens

 

Citizens of both Taiwan and the TRNC face significant challenges.

 

- Taiwan: Taiwanese face limitations in international travel and participation in global events. Athletes compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" instead of Taiwan, highlighting the extent of their isolation.

 

- TRNC: Turkish Cypriots are denied the benefits of EU citizenship, which Greek Cypriots enjoy. They face difficulties in travel, education, and business. The embargo affects access to healthcare, technology, and cultural exchange.

 

A Turkish Cypriot student, Ayşe, shared her frustration: "I cannot study abroad easily because my passport is not recognized. Our future is held hostage by political agendas."⁹

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Right to Self-Determination

 

International law supports the right of peoples to self-determination.

 

- Taiwan: With a population of over 23 million, Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy. The desire of its people to maintain their democratic system is clear.

 

- TRNC: Turkish Cypriots have their own democratic institutions and have repeatedly expressed their wish for equality and recognition. They are not a minority but co-founders of Cyprus, with equal rights.

 

President Ersin Tatar emphasized, "Our sovereign equality and equal international status must be acknowledged for any meaningful progress."¹⁰

 

Violation of International Principles

The aggressive actions of China and the Greek Cypriot Administration raise serious legal and ethical questions.

 

- China's Threats to Taiwan: The use of force or coercion to alter Taiwan's status violates the UN Charter's principles of peaceful resolution of disputes.

- Embargoes on the TRNC: The isolation imposed on the TRNC contravenes human rights conventions, including the right to development and freedom from discrimination.

 

The Role of External Powers

The involvement of external powers exacerbates the situation.

 

- International Recognition of the Greek Cypriot Administration: By recognizing the Greek Cypriot Administration as the sole representative of Cyprus, the international community inadvertently legitimizes the exclusion and oppression of Turkish Cypriots.

 

- Military Alliances: Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration leverage their EU membership to gain support, while the legitimate security concerns of the TRNC are dismissed.

 

President Tatar criticized this bias: "Our concerns are ignored, and our rights are trampled upon, while the aggressor is rewarded with support and legitimacy."¹¹

 

The Way Forward

Encouraging Dialogue and Negotiation

 

A peaceful resolution requires mutual respect and willingness to compromise.

 

- Taiwan and China: Open dialogue without preconditions could reduce tensions. Recognizing Taiwan's autonomy while addressing China's concerns may lead to a peaceful coexistence.

 

- TRNC and Greek Cypriot Administration: A new negotiation framework acknowledging the realities on the island is needed. The TRNC proposes a cooperative relationship between two equal states.

 

International Community's Responsibility

Global powers and organizations must adopt fair policies.

 

- Ending Isolation: Lifting unjust embargoes on the TRNC would alleviate human suffering and promote economic development.

 

- Promoting Fair Negotiations: The international community should facilitate talks that respect the rights of Turkish Cypriots, rather than imposing solutions that favor one side.

 

TCE Conclusion

The parallels between China's siege of Taiwan and the Greek Cypriot Administration's aggression towards the TRNC are striking. Both Taiwan and the TRNC are democratic, self-governing entities striving for recognition and fair treatment. Yet, they face isolation, economic hardship, and security threats due to the aggressive policies of their more powerful neighbors.

 

The Greek Cypriot Administration's actions effectively imprison the Turkish Cypriot people in a political and economic stranglehold. By blocking international recognition and imposing embargoes, they aim to force submission rather than seeking a just and equitable solution.

 

It's imperative for the international community to recognize these injustices and support the legitimate rights of Turkish Cypriots. A fair approach would involve acknowledging the TRNC's sovereignty, lifting embargoes, and promoting genuine dialogue.

 

As President Ersin Tatar poignantly stated, "Peace and stability can only be achieved when the international community stands for justice and recognizes the realities on the ground. The Turkish Cypriot people deserve to live freely and with dignity in their homeland."¹²

 

By understanding and addressing the aggressive tactics employed by the Greek Cypriot Administration, there is hope for a future where the TRNC can thrive without the constraints of political isolation and economic oppression. The path forward requires courage, honesty, and a commitment to the principles of fairness and self-determination that are the cornerstone of international law.

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References

1. Xi Jinping, Speech at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, October 18, 2017.

2. Nicos Anastasiades, Statement to the Press, February 27, 2019.

3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), "Diplomatic Allies," accessed 2023.

4. Rauf Denktaş, Interview with BBC News, November 15, 2003.

5. Ersin Tatar, Press Conference, July 20, 2021.

6. Tsai Ing-wen, National Day Address, October 10, 2020.

7. Ersin Tatar, Statement to Anadolu Agency, September 9, 2020.

8. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Press Conference, April 27, 2021.

9. Personal interview with Ayşe [Last Name], Turkish Cypriot student, August 2023.

10. Ersin Tatar, Interview with TRT World, May 15, 2021.

11. Ersin Tatar, Address at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, June 19, 2021.

12. Ersin Tatar, Speech at the United Nations General Assembly, September 24, 2021.