Deterrence By Denial in the Taiwan Strait: How the United States should approach deterrence to prevent War with the People's Republic of China over Taiwan

Abstract

How the United States approaches deterrence in the Taiwan Strait could determine if there is a war between the United States and the People Republic of China over Taiwan. Embracing a Deterrence by Denial Strategy to deter war with the Peoples Republic of China over Taiwan is the best strategy that the United States can bring to bear in the Pacific to accomplish its objectives. For any Deterrence Strategy to work it is imperative that the United States understands the perspectives of the PRC and its Leadership. Only the Chinese Communist Party can decide if they are deterred. Through garnering an understanding of the PRCs perspective, the United States can execute a Deterrence by Denial Strategy that does not create a security dilemma with the PRC making war more likely. Through embracing a Deterrence by Denial Strategy that does not create the perception that the PRC is being contained will the allow the United States to retain freedom of maneuver both diplomatically and militarily. The Deterrence by Denial Strategy that United States should adopt consists of three parts: Active Denial, Working with Partners and Allies, and investing in a Porcupine Strategy with Taiwan. Embracing those components allows the United States to continue its One China Policy while giving the United States the latitude to defend Taiwan or disengage from the conflict based on strategic imperatives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 27, 2023
Accession Number
AD1211036

Entities

People

  • David Adamic

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Area Denial
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Foreign Policy
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Security
  • United States
  • United States Pacific Command
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Systems

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Strategic Security Studies