Rethinking the U.S. - Taiwan relationship

Abstract

The current US policy vis-a-vis Taiwan has been ineffective in countering Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and around Formosa. A policy revisit along the diplomatic, economic, and military levers of national power is necessary for the US to maintain its national security interests in the region and protect the democratic government in Taipei from force or coercion by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). These changes to policy should be implemented to strengthen Taiwan economically via free trade with the US and encourage like-minded nations to increase their trade relationship; the US should provide increased military capability to Taiwan to enhance their Porcupine Strategy; if the Chinese government demonstrates an imminent military takeover of Taiwan, the US should immediately recognize Taiwanese independence and encourage other nations to do the same. Taken together, these policy recommendations aim to strengthen Taiwan against China's belligerent behavior and simultaneously demonstrate the commitment of the US government to support a bastion of democracy in the South China Sea.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 10, 2023
Accession Number
AD1209903

Entities

People

  • Jacob Schmitter

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Democracy
  • Governments
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military Tactics
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Republic
  • Rodents
  • Security
  • South China Sea

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies