Context:
This updated edition of the U.S. State Department factsheet on Taiwan has raised discussions on the developments in U.S. Taiwan relations, particularly with regard to the updated factsheet which omitted the former declaration that the U.S. does not support Taiwan’s independence. Instead, added new affirmation of support for Taiwan’s membership in international organizations, which has been met with strong protest from China and regarded as a policy regression on the part of the United States.
Key Aspects of U.S. Taiwan Relations
Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), 1979
- The bedrock of U.S. Taiwan relations.
- Promotion of robust commercial, cultural, and defence ties.
- Mandates the U.S. provision of defensive arms to Taiwan.
- Induces constant arms sales from the U.S. to Taiwan, angering China.
Donald Trump’s Attitude Toward Taiwan
- Instability in U.S. China Relations
- Trump’s tariff and trade policies are often held responsible for increased strain in U.S. China relations while having a bearing on Taiwan.
- Concerns Over Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
- He has explained that Taiwan has robbed the U.S. chip industry.
- Demand for Elevated Defense Spending
- He demands Taiwan to contribute more to guarding itself and obliges it to inflate the defense budget (currently slightly above 2.5% of GDP).
- Weapon Deals Through and Political Support
- Approved arms sales worth USD 10 billion in his final stint.
- Enacted Taiwan legislative acts including the Taipei Act and the Taiwan Assurance Act.
- Ambiguous Commitment Toward Taiwanese Security
- Suggested that he would be too far away to help if China invaded Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Vulnerability
- Increasing aggressiveness coming from China
- Frequent military maneuvers across the Taiwan Strait.
- Spy balloons and cyber attacks against Taiwan.
- Diplomatic isolation:
- Taiwan has lost a few of the countries that had been its diplomatic allies under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government.
- At present, Taiwan is recognized officially by only 12 countries.
- Impact upon Taiwan by the U.S. China Conflict
- For China, Taiwan is a major part of their national reunification and President Xi Jinping’s dream.
- For the U.S.: Taiwan is important because of
- Its semiconductor industry (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, TSMC, is a world leader).
New U.S. policy on Taiwan heightens tension with China. Trump has issued mixed signals on Taiwan’s ability to defend itself, sowing doubt in Taipei about U.S. government intentions. Pressure on Taiwan is increasingly military and diplomatic by China.
