Taiwan SBQ Answer Scheme

Question 1(a): Study Source A What is the message of the cartoon? EYA (5m) Possible Answers: (1) The cartoonist is trying to show that Taiwan is trying to show off to China that it is not afraid of the consequences of declaring independence. The cartoon shows a circus show host representing the Taiwanese leader putting his head into the lion’s mouth which represents the Taiwan independence issue, showing that he has managed to successfully tame / control the lion. As this action is risky, it shows that the Taiwanese leader is not afraid of incurring China’s anger in this matter.

Question 1(a): Study Source A What is the message of the cartoon? EYA (5m) Possible Answers: (2) The cartoonist is also truing to show that China strongly objects to an independent Taiwan. The lion will bite on the head of the circus host when the man representing China jumps on the tail of the lion. This shows that China will take military action or use force if Taiwan were to try and achieve an independence status.

Question 1(a): Study Source A What is the message of the cartoon? EYA (5m) Possible Add-ons : The setting of the cartoon in a circus stage also shows that both countries are trying to show off to one another what they are capable of doing. Like a circus act, the actions of each country are carefully staged and carried out for maximum effect.

Question 1(a): Study Source A What is the message of the cartoon? EYA (5m) Possible Add- ons : Taiwan has the support of the US. Taiwanese President Chen appears to be wearing an “Uncle Sam” outfit.

Question 1(b): Study Sources B & C These two sources give different assessments on whether China is prepared to use military force on Taiwan. Does this mean that one of them is wrong? EYA (7m) LORMS: L1 – Simple Assertion, No Valid Matching / Describes Source (1m) L2 – Explains that one of the sources is wrong, supported (2-3m) L3 – Explains that one of the sources is wrong by cross-referencing with other sources (4-5m) L4 – Explains that neither source is wrong by cross-referencing with other sources (6-7m) L5 – Explains purpose / motive of the sources (7m)

Question 1(b): Study Sources B & C These two sources give different assessments on whether China is prepared to use military force on Taiwan. Does this mean that one of them is wrong? EYA (7m) LORM 4: No. Both sources may not be wrong. Source B is saying that in the short term, all nations are not prepared for war. This can be confirmed in Source D, “They’re going to wait and see how we react to all of that. But it’s not like that there’s any particular build-up right now.” Source C is saying that there is a possibility of a conflict in the long- term. This can also be confirmed in Source D, “It’s what potential there is over the next few years, and then over the next several years.”

Question 1(b): Study Sources B & C These two sources give different assessments on whether China is prepared to use military force on Taiwan. Does this mean that one of them is wrong? EYA (7m) LORM 5: Source B is trying to get Taiwan to purchase weapons from the USA hence they are saying that Taiwan is not militarily prepared for war while Source C is trying to warn Taiwan of the consequences of independence and to maintain Chinese territorial unity. [You may want to give some evidence from both sources, not too much, just enough to support the above]. Hence, both sources may give different assessments of the Taiwan straits issue in order to achieve their own aims.

Question 1(c): Study Source D Why did the Taiwanese President make this speech? EYA (6m) Inferred Motive (WHY did he make such a speech?) The Taiwanese president is saying that China is the aggressor in the conflict between China and Taiwan. He is saying this in order to influence the Taiwanese people to stay united to support the independence movement and not the reunification under a tyrant / bully like China.

Question 1(c): Study Source D Why did the Taiwanese President make this speech? EYA (6m) Inferred Motive (WHY did he make such a speech?) He is also trying to influence the other countries, especially the US, to understand the Straits issue from Taiwan’s point of view and to continue to show their support for Taiwan. He is also hoping that other countries might show their support for Taiwan by giving military assistance so that China will hesitate to use military force on Taiwan. [Give evidence – e.g. global partnership]

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CAN be resolved peacefully Sources B and D show that the dispute can be resolved peacefully. Source B explains that all countries are not prepared to start a war as they are militarily not prepared. Therefore, if both parties are not willing to use force to resolve the issue, it is possible that the conflict may be resolved through peaceful means. This is supported by, “None of the 3 sides is prepared for a conflict. China is not militarily prepared, nor is its society prepared, not is it consistent with its emphasis on domestic development.”

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CAN be resolved peacefully Sources B and D show that the dispute can be resolved peacefully. In Source D, the Taiwanese leader is saying that he is willing to hold negotiations and talks with China in order to resolve the issue. He would also like China to consider using negotiations instead. This is supported by, “Earlier this year, I sincerely called for leaders on both sides of the Straits to heed the new trend of regional integration and global partnership. If both sides are willing, on the basis of goodwill, Taiwan and China can seek to negotiate the issue of Taiwan’s status.”

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CANNOT be resolved peacefully Sources A,C,E and F show that the dispute cannot be resolve peacefully. Source A shows that Taiwan wants to continue to challenge China while China intends to use force to crush their challenge. This is seen by the Taiwanese president showing off that he is not scared of China and China trying to step on the lion’s tail to trigger and attack.

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CANNOT be resolved peacefully Sources A,C,E and F show that the dispute cannot be resolve peacefully. Source C shows that China is ready and willing to use military force against Taiwan “if Taiwan’s leadership is so bold as to initiate major incidents to achieve Taiwan’s independence, our military has the capability and the means to defeat it.”

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CANNOT be resolved peacefully Sources A,C,E and F show that the dispute cannot be resolve peacefully. Source E explains that due to differences in economic development, Taiwan will not reunify with China and so this can lead to warfare. “In this respect, reunification with China seems to be very improbable based on the fact that wealth per capita of the Chinese economy is poorer than that of Taiwan.”

Question 1(d): Study all Sources To what extent do the sources show that the dispute between Taiwan and China cannot be resolved peacefully? EYA (7m) The dispute CANNOT be resolved peacefully Sources A,C,E and F show that the dispute cannot be resolve peacefully. Source F explains that the cross-strait issue has the potential to become a dangerous situation as China is determined to achieve reunification with Taiwan and will use military force to achieve their demands. “It (the Taiwan Strait) is potentially very dangerous.”