In July, a delegation of U.S. scholars and experts visited Taiwan, invited by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, under the auspices of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This trip highlighted the urgent need for the United States to maintain vigilance regarding developments in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, even while other conflicts globally compete for attention.
The U.S. must not only support Taiwan militarily as a deterrent but also employ diplomatic and economic strategies to prevent Beijing from extending its influence.
Taiwan’s strategic importance is underscored by three key factors:
First, Taiwan is a pivotal part of the first island chain that helps buffer China’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific region.
Second, it is the world’s foremost semiconductor manufacturer and remains a major player in semiconductor innovation.
Third, Taiwan embodies a democracy striving to uphold its autonomy while sharing linguistic and cultural ties with mainland China, which is governed by the authoritarian Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Among these attributes, the democratic aspirations of the Taiwanese people hold the utmost significance and are the most vulnerable to underestimation.
Despite being vibrant, Taiwan’s democracy is not free from challenges, some of which were evident during my visit.
It coincided with an active civil society campaign aimed at recalling 23 legislators from the Kuomintang (KMT) over accusations of corruption and undue influence from Beijing.
The public ultimately voted against the recall, a decision that could have significantly altered the balance of power in Taiwan’s legislature.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition KMT both advocate for peace in the Taiwan Strait, though they diverge on the strategies to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and sovereignty amid pressures from the increasingly assertive CCP.
The KMT has traditionally favored engaging with Beijing to decrease tensions, while the DPP promotes a comprehensive societal defense mechanism to counteract various aggressive tactics employed by the CCP aimed at undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty.
This political debate itself is a testament to a healthy democracy; however, the landscape is increasingly polarized.
Tensions have been exacerbated over the past 18 months, coinciding with the election of a divided government in Taiwan.
Controversial legislation passed by the KMT-led majority has aimed at reducing national budget allocations, impacting defense spending and altering the structural composition of the constitutional court.
This complex situation prompted civil society action, including recent recall referendums, and reflects ongoing discussions within the Taiwanese political arena on maintaining the island’s democratic identity.
The looming threat of military action, a naval blockade, hybrid tactics, and the potential for political and economic domination by Beijing casts a shadow over Taiwan.
Beijing’s leadership has made its intentions clear regarding “unification” as a means to exert control over Taiwan, applying constant pressure designed to amplify divisions within Taiwanese society and gradually undermine its resilience.
Although a military invasion from the People’s Republic of China is not inevitable, statistical observations underline that China’s leaders, particularly Xi Jinping, view Taiwan’s independence and sovereignty as significant threats that must be addressed.
To ensure preparedness, U.S. support for Taiwan should encompass various dimensions, recognizing potential threats to Taiwanese sovereignty beyond mere military defense.
During an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in May, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth aptly demonstrated that the Trump Administration takes Taiwan’s territorial integrity seriously with its commitment to deterring PRC military aggression.
The U.S. must also honor existing arms sales agreements to bolster Taiwan’s defensive capabilities in line with Beijing’s growing military readiness ambitions by 2027.
However, recent U.S. policy decisions regarding Taiwan and the PRC have led to confusion within Taiwan’s leadership and among its citizens regarding U.S. commitment and resolve.
For instance, allowing selective semiconductor chip sales to China while engaging in tariff negotiations with both Taiwan and Beijing complicates the picture of U.S. support for Taiwan.
Similarly, the decision to deny Taiwan President Lai Ching-te a refueling stopover in the United States on his way to visit Taiwanese diplomatic partners in Latin America was a missed opportunity to reinforce U.S. support, breaking from established precedents.
As the Trump Administration aims to maintain peace through strength across the Indo-Pacific and specifically the Taiwan Strait, it should leverage Taiwan’s geopolitical significance, technological advancements, and robust democratic framework.
These attributes can create mutual benefits for both the United States and Taiwan while enhancing America’s competitive edge against the PRC in terms of influence, economic strength, and defensive deterrence.
image source from：bushcenter
