The recent passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 has elicited a spectrum of reactions from both China and Taiwan, underlining his complex legacy in international relations. In China, President Xi Jinping praised Carter as the "driving force" behind the establishment of diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington. Xi expressed his deepest condolences in a message to U.S. President Joe Biden, signifying Carter's role in normalizing relations during his presidency from 1977 to 1981. This process culminated in the formal recognition of the People's Republic of China on January 1, 1979, which also included an acknowledgment of the One-China policy, stating that Taiwan is part of China, while the U.S. continued to maintain unofficial relations with the self-governed island.

Carter's legacy is recognized by many in China as pivotal in establishing a new era of cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry characterized him as a "promoter and decision-maker" in forging ties between the nations. Various commentators on Chinese social media echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his friendly stance towards China compared to other U.S. leaders. Hu Xijin, former editor of the Global Times, noted that Carter's actions helped lay the groundwork for subsequent relations, stating, "He opened the floodgates of history by establishing diplomatic relations between China and the U.S."

Conversely, reactions in Taiwan were more divided. The Presidential Office offered sincere condolences while the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), acknowledged Carter's contributions but criticized his decision to derecognize Taiwan, leading many to view him with skepticism. Some Taiwanese netizens voiced their discontent, asserting that Carter's approach allowed China to grow into a pressing threat to Taiwan. They argued that the pro-China posture during his term contributed to the challenges currently faced by Taiwan.

Moreover, Carter's signing of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) in April 1979 allows the U.S. to maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan, including arms sales to support its defense capabilities. This legislation became essential in shaping the current U.S.-Taiwan relationship, although some experts insist that the enactment of the TRA was not entirely a result of Carter's influence. Political scientist Chen Fang-yu commented, "The TRA was not directly related to Carter," attributing its passage more to Taiwan's government and grassroots lobbying. Nevertheless, other analysts argue that Carter's role was significant in laying the early foundations for today’s U.S.-Taiwan partnerships.

While Carter’s death resonates poignantly in China, where he is celebrated for his diplomatic achievements, Taiwan remains reflective of the fractured sentiments stemming from his controversial policies. The responses highlight the ongoing complexities of cross-strait relations and the broader context of U.S.-China dynamics today. For further insights, consult the full reports from Newsweek and VOA News.