A Tale of One China: How and Why Has the Efficacy of United States Arms Sales to Taiwan Changed Since 1990
Abstract
This study analyzes the changes in United States security assistance to Taiwan from 1990 to 2016. The author evaluates congressional notifications of major arms sales to Taiwan in terms of their impact on US-Peoples Republic of China (PRC) relations and on Taiwans defensive capabilities. These two variables correlate directly to United States China policy goals, which strive to balance positive relations with the PRC with preventing unilateral changes to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. By analyzing seven major arms sales notifications, the study determines that both the quantity and quality of US security assistance to Taiwan have declined in recent years. The report traces these declines to decreased US leverage over the PRC on trade and technology transfers, increased PRC economic and military power, and the impact of two American security assistance policy changes. Finally, the study proposes recommendations for future security assistance to Taiwan and a more transactional approach to US-PRC relations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1030443
Entities
People
- Christian Ogrosky
Organizations
- Air University