China wants Taiwan primarily for reasons tied to national sovereignty, historical claims, strategic importance, and economic value. China asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory according to the "One China" principle, viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. This is rooted in historical claims dating back to when the Qing dynasty controlled Taiwan in the 17th century and subsequent conflicts leading to Taiwan becoming separate after the Chinese Civil War in 1949.
Strategically, Taiwan holds a crucial position in the "first island chain" important to China's ability to project power in the western Pacific region. Control over Taiwan would enhance China's regional influence and diminish U.S. military and geopolitical presence near its coast. Economically, Taiwan is vital due to its dominant role in global semiconductor manufacturing, especially through companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is critical to the global electronics supply chain.
Politically, China under Xi Jinping has emphasized proactive measures to achieve reunification with Taiwan, including military pressure and diplomatic isolation efforts, while the Taiwanese government maintains a democratic system and varying views on its relationship with China, often resisting China's "One Country, Two Systems" unification model.
In summary, China wants Taiwan for national sovereignty, historical reasons, strategic military positioning, and economic control of critical technology industries, all driven by the goal of eventual reunification with the island.
