U.S. Urged to Restrain Taiwan Amid Rising China Tensions
WASHINGTON – As global attention remains fixed on the war in Ukraine and a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under a possible second Trump governance, analysts are warning Washington to carefully manage it’s relationship with Taiwan and curb what they describe as increasingly provocative behavior from Taipei. The call for restraint comes as China views Taiwan as a core interest and continues to build its military capabilities, creating a growing imbalance in the region.
Beijing is closely monitoring the political landscape in Washington, particularly the evolving stance of Donald Trump on taiwan. While Trump has adopted a cautious approach to the island, some of his advisors have signaled a more hawkish position. Notably, Elon Musk, a former Trump advisor with extensive experience in China, is no longer a key player in the administration.
Experts argue that American leaders should not hesitate to privately warn Taiwan’s leadership against actions that could destabilize the status quo – a tactic the U.S. has employed previously, such as a rebuke issued by the Bush administration in December 2003.
The advice comes alongside a suggestion that the U.S. should prioritize strengthening defence efforts focused on protecting its treaty allies in the pacific - Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. While acknowledging Taiwan’s geopolitical meaning, analysts maintain that it does not constitute a vital U.S.national security interest, as it is not a treaty ally, and the potential consequences of defending it – a potentially catastrophic great power war - outweigh the strategic and economic benefits.
