The United States' assistance in defending Taiwan refers to the United States' policy of providing military aid, security guarantees, and diplomatic support to assist Taiwan in safeguarding national security. This policy began when the United States and the Government of the Republic of China signed the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty in 1954. It was unilaterally abrogated by the United States in 1979 after the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations with the United States. The domestic law of the United States and the Taiwan Relations Act will be used instead.
Under the policy of helping to defend Taiwan, the United States provides Taiwan with defensive weapons, intelligence sharing, military training, military advisors, and other support. The Federal government of the United States also supports Taiwan's international participation by inviting a Taiwanese delegation to the U.S. presidential inauguration.
The U.S. policy of assisting Taiwan has broad support in Taiwan, but it is also opposed by the government of the People's Republic of China. Mainland China considers Taiwan an integral part of China and opposes any foreign military intervention in Taiwan affairs. Mainland China's pressure and threats on Taiwan have intensified recently, attracting international attention.
In April 2001, then U.S. President George W. Bush publicly announced that the United States would assist in the defense of Taiwan. [2] In 2017, the U.S. National Security Council proposed a Free and Open Indo-Pacific to "defend the first island chain countries, including Taiwan," in the event of an armed conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Approved by President Donald Trump in 2018. [3] In February 2021, members of the U.S. Congress re-introduced the "Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act" to legally authorize the U.S. president to use limited force to defend Taiwan when necessary. [4]
In 1996, when the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis broke out, the United States sent the Seventh Fleet to help defend Taiwan and stabilize the situation. [5]
In April 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush announced he would "do everything we can to help defend Taiwan". [6] Successor President Obama has not made any clear public statement on the People's Republic of China's military reunification of Taiwan or the United States sending troops to help defend Taiwan. In 2018, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategic framework approved by President Donald Trump included "defending Taiwan". [3]
Among the Sources of law basis for the United States' assistance in defending Taiwan—the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances"the United States has not given specific commitments." Therefore, "from the perspective of legal principles and 'obligations,'" "Although the U.S. may have 'the President and Congress decide on appropriate actions to be taken by constitutional procedures,' it is also likely that they will not engage in armed intervention after making the decision." [7] Therefore, during the administration of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, members of the U.S. Congress continued to push for bill (United States Congress) to complete the legal authorization of the United States to assist in defense against Taiwan.
In 2001, the new US government regarded it as a strategic competitor and adopted harsh policies. [6] On April 24, the List of US arms sales to Taiwan. On the 25th, [8] the new US President George W. Bush stated on American Broadcasting Company " Good Morning America" that the package of weapons sold by the United States to Taiwan is currently "the right plan" (decision). At the same time, it said that the United States "whatever it took to defend itself" (will do its best to help Taiwan defend itself, or summarized as doing everything it can to help defend Taiwan [6]). The media believes that this means that the United States is preparing to be directly involved in the Taiwan Strait conflict. Bush's move also changed the US government's " Policy of deliberate ambiguity" policy towards Taiwan to "strategic clarity". [8] On the 26th, Bush was interviewed by a reporter from CNN and was asked about Regarding the Taiwan issue, Bush said, "What I want to express to the people is that we expect to resolve any differences through peaceful means." "But as people know, I am willing to help Taiwan defend itself; as far as I am concerned, (our ) policy has not changed. Other presidents have said this and will continue to say that." When a reporter asked the US government's attitude if Taiwan independence movement of independence triggers conflict, he said, "Of course, I hope that Taiwan will adhere to the one-China principle. Declaring Taiwan's independence is not a one-China policy. We will work with Taiwan to ensure that this does not happen. We need to resolve this issue peacefully."
On May 17, George W. Bush met with Asian and Pacific American leaders in the American community at the White House. He once again claimed that the United States would assist Taiwan if China "uses force" [2]. George W. Bush visited China the following year and reiterated the US government's one China policy. He said, "When my country reaches an agreement (referring to the three communiqués between China and the United States), we will stick to it." "But there is also the Taiwan Relations Act, and I respect this law. It stipulates that if Taiwan is attacked, we will help it defend itself. However, we also say neither side should be provocative and engage in peaceful dialogue." [8]:34
2018, President Donald Trump started a trade war between China–United States trade war. China and the United States have entered the Second Cold War. On June 10, 2020, Republican Party (United States) Senator Josh Hawley introduced the "Taiwan Defense Act" in the United States Senate. On June 30, Republican Representatives Ted Yoho and Mike Gallagher introduced the "Taiwan Defense Act" in the House of Representatives. On July 29, Ted Yoho proposed the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act (H.R.7855 - Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act [9]) to clarify and strengthen the United States' commitment to defend Taiwan should Taiwan be attacked by armed attacks. "This bill draws a red line to Beijing. Taiwan's future must be decided through peaceful means." Previously (July) 17, Ted Yoho said in an interview with Fox Business Channel host Lou Dobbs, "The bill will stipulate that if China invades Taiwan, it will authorize the president of the United States to use force to respond, and there will be 5-year sunset provision" [10]. The bill was off the agenda because it was the presidential election [4].
On January 5, 2021, days before President Donald Trump took office, the White House National Security Council declassified the confidential document on the Indo-Pacific strategic framework formulated in 2017. President Donald Trump approved the document in February 2018. U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said in a declassified memorandum on January 5 that the declassification of documents transparently demonstrates the United States' strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific and regional allies and partners. On January 12, the White House National Security Council released the document[3]. The fourth of the document's seven goals for the People's Republic of China is to "prevent China from using force against the United States and its allies and partners, and develop capabilities and options to defeat China in various conflicts." Among them, "formulate and implement a defense strategy that includes but is not limited to the following three points": 1. Deprive China of continuous air and sea control in the first island chain in a conflict; 2. Defend the first island chain countries, including Taiwan. ;3. Dominate all areas outside the first island chain [11][3].
On January 20, 2021, new presidency of Joe Biden took office and still implemented a strict policy toward China, and the China–United States trade war continued. On February 18, after the new session of Congress opened, Republican Senator Rick Scott and Representative Guy Reschenthaler re-introduced the "Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act" in the House and Senate, respectively. Invasion Prevention Act) [4]. Rick Scott's proposal (S.332 - Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act [12]) Related: Helps Taiwan counter Communist China's military buildup across the Taiwan Straits (Help Taiwan resist Communist China's military buildup across the Taiwan Straits); Establishes a limited authorization for the President to use military force for the specific purpose of securing and protecting Taiwan against armed attack (limited authorization for the President to use force to protect Taiwan from military attack) [13].
In the face of military pressure from the People's Republic of China, Richard N.Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and some members of the U.S. Congress have argued that the U.S. government should adopt strategically clear policies to deter the People's Republic of Chinese unification. On April 29, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on global threats facing the United States. When the chairman of the hearing, Democratic Senator Jack Reed, asked what would happen to the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China "if the U.S. government changes its vague strategy in response to domestic political calls and "adopts a clear commitment to Taiwan (Republic of China)" Response?" Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines responded that the People's Republic of China would believe that the United States' explicit assistance in defending Taiwan would "create very great instability," allowing the People's Republic of China to "aggressively undermine U.S. military operations around the world. interests", and at the same time, the change in the U.S. government's position "may" lead to the Republic of China Taiwan independence movement [14].
On May 4, at a discussion hosted by the Financial Times, Indo-Pacific Policy Coordinator of the United States National Security Council, Kurt Campbell, faced calls from relevant U.S. figures for the U.S. government to make a clear stance on assisting in defense against Taiwan. significant disadvantages". If the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan by force and the United States helps defend Taiwan, then "any conflict over Taiwan between the People's Republic of China and the United States is unlikely to be limited to a small geographical area." "I think it will quickly expand and fundamentally destroy the global economy in ways that I do not think anyone could have predicted" [15].
On October 21, on a CNN program, someone asked, "If China attacks Taiwan, will the United States defend Taiwan?" U.S. President Biden said twice, "Yes, we have such a commitment." [16] On the 22nd, a White House spokesperson stated: "The president's remarks did not announce any change in our (Taiwan) policy. Our policy has not changed." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on the same day. · Austin said the United States will continue to support Taiwan's forces but declined to confirm Joe Biden's remarks on the United States' commitment to defend Taiwan militarily should China attack Taiwan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declined to "speculate on a hypothetical scenario" when asked about the risk of NATO forces being drawn into a potential conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China. [17]
In April 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe published an article in an American newspaper comparing Taiwan to Ukraine, saying that the United States should make a clear commitment to help defend Taiwan. On April 15, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, stated at a regular press conference, Individual Japanese politicians continue to speak nonsense on the Taiwan issue, discuss China's internal affairs, and instigate Second Cold War.Taiwan is firmly opposed to this." It is an inalienable part of China's territory. Taiwan’s political status is purely China’s internal affair and different from the Russo-Ukrainian War. There is no comparison. Japan once colonized Taiwan under Japanese rule and committed countless crimes. The Chinese people bear historically severe responsibilities. Relevant Japanese politicians should be particularly cautious in their words and deeds on the Taiwan issue to avoid sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces."[18]Taiwan under Japanese rule
On May 23, 2022, US President Biden, who was visiting Japan, made it clear at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that the US military would be sent to assist in the defense of Taiwan. [19] The next day, Biden stated that his "strategic ambiguity" policy towards Taiwan would remain unchanged. [20]
On September 17, 2022, in an interview with CBS's " 60 Minutes" program, Biden reiterated that he would send troops if China attacked Taiwan. [21]
On November 16, 2023, during his talks with Biden, Xi Jinping reiterated China's firm position on the peaceful reunification of Taiwan, demanding that the United States stop arms sales to Taiwan and support Taiwan's peaceful reunification. In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that he would continue to take necessary actions by the Taiwan Relations Act and strive to help Taiwan obtain the means of self-defense [22][23].
Wang Yunfei, a senior researcher at Hong Kong's Sance think tank, divides the United States' assistance in defending Taiwan into two types of spatial assistance: short-range assistance and long-range assistance. Short-range assistance is provided by the United States Forces Japan and United States Forces Korea. Long-distance assistance is provided by the global military, including the Contiguous United States [1].
A 2004 article by Wang Yifeng, author of the People's Republic of China, pointed out that the military forces used by the United States to assist in the defense of Taiwan are mainly the 300,000 troops of the List of components of the U.S. Department of Defense and part of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The United States Seventh Fleet is the main force. There are three military defense modes[22]:15 List of components of the U.S. Department of Defense
Similar to the Vietnam War, the U.S. military concentrated its main forces on implementing a critical naval blockade and rapid deployment against the People's Republic of China.
Similar to the Korean War, the U.S. military directly sent some troops to Taiwan.
After the Chinese People's Liberation Army captured Taiwan Island, the U.S. military fought in the Battle of New Britain Island and annihilated the People's Liberation Army on Taiwan Island. Wang Yifeng believes that this is the preferred option of the U.S. military.
Author Hai Wei pointed out in a 2006 article that because "Americans are known to be afraid of casualties when fighting a war," the U.S. military will not land in Taiwan to engage in a ground war with the People's Liberation Army, "not to mention the odds of winning, and the large number of casualties that can be expected." It has become a burden that the United States cannot bear. [23]:26" Based on the personnel and equipment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the time, Haiyi believed that there was "no problem" in taking over Taiwan by force. However, in the face of the joint defense of Taiwan by the United States and Japan, the People's Liberation Army was only "There is a good chance of winning" [23]:25.
Haiyi speculates that the United States Navy will use two to three aircraft carrier battle groups and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to form a joint formation to "contain or even defeat the People's Liberation Army's sea and air forces from the sea and air with greater sea and air superiority." force, and further use carrier-based aircraft to attack the People's Liberation Army landing troops and even radar stations and missile bases on the southeast coast," forcing the People's Republic of China to "sit to the negotiating table." This is a "relatively safe choice for the United States and Japan, and the losses suffered are acceptable." Haiyi speculates that the US aircraft carrier battle group will engage in combat with the People's Liberation Army within a range of 600 kilometers east of the Taiwan Strait theater. In the competition between the People's Liberation Army and the United States, Japan, and Taiwan for air supremacy in the Taiwan Strait theater, it is not easy for the People's Liberation Army to "guarantee relative air supremacy, and it is even more difficult to organize an effective attack on the US aircraft carrier battle group." Due to the possible lack of air superiority, the People's Liberation Army will not be able to win the war solely by relying on the deterrent effect of nuclear submarines. The Sukhoi Su-30 and Xi'an JH-7 fighters owned by the People's Liberation Army have a combat radius of only about 1,000 kilometers, which is insufficient to pose a significant threat to the US fleet. Haiyi hopes to introduce no less than 12 Tupolev Tu-22M and an ideal number of 40 so that the People's Liberation Army can carry out " Saturation attack" on the US aircraft carrier battle group and help the People's Liberation Army "concentrate superior forces to compete for air supremacy in the theater, at least in the direction of the Taiwan Strait." The air superiority is relatively controlled so that it will not be overwhelmed by the swarming US warships and fighter jets."
Haiwei speculated on the use of bases in South Korea and Japan by the U.S. military, believing that South Korea may not allow the U.S. military to "use its airports to take off and land combat aircraft" due to its " China–South Korea relations" with the People's Republic of China [c]. Under the jurisdiction of the Fifth Air Force of the U.S. Pacific Air Force, Kadena Air Base in Japan will be the "main bridgehead" between the United States and Japan during wartime. Haiwei also pointed out that in order to prevent the United States and Japan from assisting in the defense of Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army may conduct long-distance attacks on military facilities in Japan, such as U.S. and Japanese military bases in Nagasaki, Yokohama, Yokosuka, and other places. In order to prevent China, Japan, and the United States from entering a "total war," the United States "will use these bases very 'restrainedly' ( Aerial refueling , P-3C anti-submarine aircraft) and will not use them as major wartime airports, but rely heavily on Its aircraft carrier battle group." [23]:27 Aerial refueling
After the 2010s, the Armed Forces of the People's Republic of China has increased. Wang Yunfei's article pointed out that when the military conflict between the two sides does not involve land targets, the People's Liberation Army can complete the combat mission against the US troops stationed United States Forces Japan and United States Forces Korea within three days. To support Taiwan from a long distance, the United States should invest in at least the five aircraft carrier battle groups used during the Iraq War [1].
The United States may unite with its allies to adopt economic sanctions (trade suspension, embargo, maritime blockade, freezing of financial assets, financial blockade), cyber warfare, and blocking of satellite navigation systems[d].
The People's Republic of China is the List of countries by largest historical GDP in the world after the United States and its economy is highly dependent on the international market. (26)In the financial field, the outside world believes that the US government can complete the financial blockade of the People's Republic of China and exclude it from the US dollar-dominated global payment and settlement system, SWIFT. (26)(27)A report by Guotai Junan in July 2020 stated that if it were excluded from SWIFT, the People's Republic of China could lose US$300 billion in trade, more than US$90 billion in foreign direct investment, and US$80 billion in outward direct investment each year. An article related to the China–United States trade war on the " Voice of America" website in 2020 pointed out that the possibility of the People's Republic of China, like North Korea and Iran, being excluded from SWIFT is low because "the move may have negative consequences for the United States itself and the global economy." risks" but "[People's Republic of China] officials and research institutions continue to discuss the potential consequences" and measures to reduce the risks.(27)Previously, in 2015, the People's Bank of China had just begun to build a Cross-Border Interbank Payment System. There are also authors from the Republic of China (Taiwan), relying on the Historical GDP of China and the " Reactions to the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests" of the U.S. government in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, saying that the U.S. government will not assist in the defense of Taiwan when the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan with force. No non-military means will be used. (28)An article in the 2020 New York Times Chinese website used food security and global strategic petroleum reserves, saying that the People's Republic of China government can solve the problem by increasing the food ownership rate, increasing oil reserves, and signing long-term oil supply contracts with oil-producing countries. In the face of economic sanctions, the government of the People's Republic of China "is more urgent to solve the problem of import and export in overseas markets and the complete supply of key technologies. To this end, its approach is to build the economy on dual circulation and technological independence in the next 15 years.". Once Western wold block China, Beijing can rely on this internal cycle. The 14th Fourteenth five-year plan (China) have this level of combat readiness considerations in mind. (26)
On June 16, 2022, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Lindsey Graham, the top Republican member of the Senate Budget Committee, jointly proposed the Taiwan Policy Act. The contents of the bill include that the United States will impose sanctions if China invades Taiwan, provide Taiwan with US$4.5 billion within four years, grant Taiwan the status of a " Major non-NATO ally," and rename the " Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States" to the " Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office."
In June 2004, mainstream media in the Republic of China (Taiwan) reported that U.S. military officers had arrived in Taiwan and were preparing to re-station in Taiwan in 2006 to assist in the defense of Taiwan(24). In 2020, in the context of Second Cold War between China and the United States, the U.S. military in the Taiwan Strait Before the war began, the issue of re-stationing in Taiwan was raised again. On March 7, Ian Easton of the American "2049 Project Institute" submitted a letter to the media titled "The United States should station troops in Taiwan" and advocated that the U.S. military should organize a thousand-person army, navy, air force, and marines. Mixed forces enter Taiwan. In June, a series of fake news about the re-station of the United States in Taiwan began to circulate on the Taiwanese Internet. For example, some U.S. troops stationed in Germany were transferred to Taiwan, the number of U.S. troops stationed in Taiwan increased to 50,000, at least three military bases were built, and F-35 and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense were deployed. Missile systems, at least 5,000 to 20,000 Medium-range ballistic missile, and even the deployment of nuclear weapons. (29)
The U.S. Army's bimonthly magazine "Military Review" published a series of articles on the theme of "China's armed aggression against Taiwan" in September and October.(29)(30) Among them, Walker D. Mills, an active-duty captain of the U.S. Marine Corps, authored "Stop the Dragon: U.S. Forces Return to Taiwan(31) (Deter the Dragon: Involving Taiwan(29))," which called on the United States to reconsider the deployment of ground troops in Taiwan. An article proposed sending the U.S. military to deploy four divisions and heavy equipment in Taiwan.(30) Walker Mills's article attracted the attention of both the government and the public in the Republic of China (Taiwan). (31)Ou Xifu, a researcher at the Institute of Chinese Government, Military and Operational Concepts at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, wrote in an article that Walker Mills' "this inflatable proposal appeared in the latest American publications and has been considered unbelievable, so far, but it highlights the United States' support for joint defense." A massive change in Taiwan's views." Walker Mills's proposal is equivalent to restoring the " Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty" and the successful combat plan. Regarding operational division of labor, Taiwan is responsible for ground operations, and the United States is responsible for air defense, naval surface operations, and air force attack operations.(32)
In September 2020, the " Global Times", the official media of the People's Republic of China, published an editorial: "The U.S. military will re-enter Taiwan?" That Will Mean War," said, "This discussion in the U.S. military magazine can be regarded as part of the public opinion war against China. It is trying to open up a new space for the U.S. strategy of putting pressure on China. Once the U.S. military does that, it will not only mean that the U.S. The complete end of the one-China policy will constitute a blatant challenge to China's sovereignty. Such a release of information is forgetful. We want to tell the United States and Taiwan that they must give up the illusion of redeploying U.S. troops in Taiwan because that means war. ""The redeployment of U.S. troops to Taiwan" already complies with Articles 2 and 3 of the three conditions for adopting military means to resolve the Taiwan issue in the Anti-Secession Law. "We believe that the People's Liberation Army will take military action by then to start a just war to liberate Taiwan." (30)Wang Kunyi, chairman and professor of the Taiwan Society for International Strategic Studies, also wrote an article saying that if the U.S. military stationed in Taiwan comes true, it will start a war. Eventually, "tens of millions of lives will fall." Previously, Wang Yifeng's article in 2004 described "[The re-station of U.S. troops in Taiwan] is essentially tearing up the Three Communiqués between China and the United States, which will inevitably lead to not only a cross-strait showdown but also a breakup between China and the United States. This will majorly impact the world." great crisis."(24)
On October 22 of the same year, the US think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) held a seminar in Washington. Richard C. , former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said that the re-station of troops in Taiwan would undermine the conditions set by normalizing relations between the United States and China in the 1970s (the Three Communiqués). He guessed that this would put tremendous pressure on Beijing and may demand the Suspension or cancellation of diplomatic relations with the United States. (33)
In late September 2020, a Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation poll showed that 60% of Taiwanese adults over 20 believed that the United States might send troops to help defend Taiwan when the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan by force, while 33% disagreed. Yinglong, chairman of the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, said that this finding shows that most Taiwanese people now believe that if China invades Taiwan with force, the U.S. military may help defend Taiwan.(34) A poll conducted by "ETtoday News Cloud" in October of the same year showed that assuming a military conflict broke out across the Taiwan Strait, 54.0% of the public believed the United States would help defend Taiwan, and 35.0% believed that the United States would not. 55.7% of the public support the more radical "U.S. military stationing in Taiwan to assist in defense of Taiwan," while 30.7% do not. (35)A December poll showed that 48.0% of the public believed prospective U.S. President Biden would not help defend Taiwan. However, polls conducted after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in March 2022 showed that as many as 55.9% of the people believed that the United States would not help defend Taiwan. 55.7% of the public support the more radical "U.S. military stationing in Taiwan to assist in defense of Taiwan," while 30.7% do not. A December poll showed that 48.0% of the public believed prospective U.S. President Joe Biden would not help defend Taiwan.(36) However, polls conducted after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in March 2022 showed that as many as 55.9% of the people believed that the United States would not help defend Taiwan.(37)
An article by Zhang Ziyang, an associate professor at the Nanhua University, in 2008 stated that "Taiwan has full confidence in the United States to help defend Taiwan." "Taiwan's confidence comes from the misinformation of the United States; that is, Taiwan is of high strategic importance to the United States, and the United States is of high strategic importance to Taiwan." The quality of arms sales is low, so Taiwan can reasonably assume that the United States will help defend Taiwan."(38). At the same time, "Taiwan's excessive confidence in the United States' assistance in defense" "allows China to reasonably doubt whether the United States has a secret commitment to Taiwan. In particular, establishing long-range early warning radars makes Taiwan a part of the United States' early warning system. China has even more reason to doubt whether the United States has a secret commitment to Taiwan." Has Taiwan secretly promised to assist each other in ensuring each other's homeland security?"(38)
On February 19, 2021, in response to the proposal of the "Taiwan Aggression Prevention Act" in the U.S. Congress. Ou Jiang'an, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for taking various friendly actions towards Taiwan, demonstrating their great importance to Taiwan's security and regional peace and stability, and strongly supporting Taiwan-U.S. military and security cooperation.(4)
Hai Wei, the author of The People's Republic of China, believes that militarily, if the People's Republic of China can achieve its strategic goal of effectively preventing the United States from assisting in the Chinese unification, "the liberation of Taiwan will only be a matter of time"(25). Other authors have politically related it to Taiwan independence forces, describing it as "emboldened and an important life-saving straw" for Taiwan independence movement. It is also a "wrong signal that the international community, especially the United States, often sends"(24)
In 2020, cross-strait relations and Sino-US relations continue to be tense. In September, Wang Shushen, director of the Taiwan-US Office of the Taiwan Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,(39) wrote that in addition to cooperating with the U.S. government and exacerbating cross-strait relations, the Democratic Presidency of Tsai Ing-wen also used the argument that the U.S. was helping to defend Taiwan to "strengthen the U.S. The 'support for Taiwan theory' spreads the 'theory that Taiwan independence is harmless' to the people on the island and pins the security of the Taiwan region on the illusory U.S. defense. [...] The United States' 'fight for Taiwan independence' is illusory for Taiwan. Fantasy. The United States regards Taiwan as a pawn that can be traded and sacrificed."(40) On October 6, the Kuomintang Legislative Yuan caucus proposed and passed two bills at the Legislative Yuan - "The government should request the United States to resist Taiwan's security and defense " CCP" and "Taiwan-U.S. Restoration of Diplomatic Relations" case. The official media of the People's Republic of China " Huanqiu.com" published a commentary article calling it "promoting the US military to assist in the defense of Taiwan" and "resuming diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the United States". It also stated that "no matter what the considerations are based on, these two are proposals of a 'Taiwan independence' nature. , must be strongly condemned.” [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41]
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)
The United States' assistance in defending Taiwan refers to the United States' policy of providing military aid, security guarantees, and diplomatic support to assist Taiwan in safeguarding national security. This policy began when the United States and the Government of the Republic of China signed the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty in 1954. It was unilaterally abrogated by the United States in 1979 after the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations with the United States. The domestic law of the United States and the Taiwan Relations Act will be used instead.
Under the policy of helping to defend Taiwan, the United States provides Taiwan with defensive weapons, intelligence sharing, military training, military advisors, and other support. The Federal government of the United States also supports Taiwan's international participation by inviting a Taiwanese delegation to the U.S. presidential inauguration.
The U.S. policy of assisting Taiwan has broad support in Taiwan, but it is also opposed by the government of the People's Republic of China. Mainland China considers Taiwan an integral part of China and opposes any foreign military intervention in Taiwan affairs. Mainland China's pressure and threats on Taiwan have intensified recently, attracting international attention.
In April 2001, then U.S. President George W. Bush publicly announced that the United States would assist in the defense of Taiwan. [2] In 2017, the U.S. National Security Council proposed a Free and Open Indo-Pacific to "defend the first island chain countries, including Taiwan," in the event of an armed conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Approved by President Donald Trump in 2018. [3] In February 2021, members of the U.S. Congress re-introduced the "Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act" to legally authorize the U.S. president to use limited force to defend Taiwan when necessary. [4]
In 1996, when the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis broke out, the United States sent the Seventh Fleet to help defend Taiwan and stabilize the situation. [5]
In April 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush announced he would "do everything we can to help defend Taiwan". [6] Successor President Obama has not made any clear public statement on the People's Republic of China's military reunification of Taiwan or the United States sending troops to help defend Taiwan. In 2018, the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategic framework approved by President Donald Trump included "defending Taiwan". [3]
Among the Sources of law basis for the United States' assistance in defending Taiwan—the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances"the United States has not given specific commitments." Therefore, "from the perspective of legal principles and 'obligations,'" "Although the U.S. may have 'the President and Congress decide on appropriate actions to be taken by constitutional procedures,' it is also likely that they will not engage in armed intervention after making the decision." [7] Therefore, during the administration of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, members of the U.S. Congress continued to push for bill (United States Congress) to complete the legal authorization of the United States to assist in defense against Taiwan.
In 2001, the new US government regarded it as a strategic competitor and adopted harsh policies. [6] On April 24, the List of US arms sales to Taiwan. On the 25th, [8] the new US President George W. Bush stated on American Broadcasting Company " Good Morning America" that the package of weapons sold by the United States to Taiwan is currently "the right plan" (decision). At the same time, it said that the United States "whatever it took to defend itself" (will do its best to help Taiwan defend itself, or summarized as doing everything it can to help defend Taiwan [6]). The media believes that this means that the United States is preparing to be directly involved in the Taiwan Strait conflict. Bush's move also changed the US government's " Policy of deliberate ambiguity" policy towards Taiwan to "strategic clarity". [8] On the 26th, Bush was interviewed by a reporter from CNN and was asked about Regarding the Taiwan issue, Bush said, "What I want to express to the people is that we expect to resolve any differences through peaceful means." "But as people know, I am willing to help Taiwan defend itself; as far as I am concerned, (our ) policy has not changed. Other presidents have said this and will continue to say that." When a reporter asked the US government's attitude if Taiwan independence movement of independence triggers conflict, he said, "Of course, I hope that Taiwan will adhere to the one-China principle. Declaring Taiwan's independence is not a one-China policy. We will work with Taiwan to ensure that this does not happen. We need to resolve this issue peacefully."
On May 17, George W. Bush met with Asian and Pacific American leaders in the American community at the White House. He once again claimed that the United States would assist Taiwan if China "uses force" [2]. George W. Bush visited China the following year and reiterated the US government's one China policy. He said, "When my country reaches an agreement (referring to the three communiqués between China and the United States), we will stick to it." "But there is also the Taiwan Relations Act, and I respect this law. It stipulates that if Taiwan is attacked, we will help it defend itself. However, we also say neither side should be provocative and engage in peaceful dialogue." [8]:34
2018, President Donald Trump started a trade war between China–United States trade war. China and the United States have entered the Second Cold War. On June 10, 2020, Republican Party (United States) Senator Josh Hawley introduced the "Taiwan Defense Act" in the United States Senate. On June 30, Republican Representatives Ted Yoho and Mike Gallagher introduced the "Taiwan Defense Act" in the House of Representatives. On July 29, Ted Yoho proposed the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act (H.R.7855 - Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act [9]) to clarify and strengthen the United States' commitment to defend Taiwan should Taiwan be attacked by armed attacks. "This bill draws a red line to Beijing. Taiwan's future must be decided through peaceful means." Previously (July) 17, Ted Yoho said in an interview with Fox Business Channel host Lou Dobbs, "The bill will stipulate that if China invades Taiwan, it will authorize the president of the United States to use force to respond, and there will be 5-year sunset provision" [10]. The bill was off the agenda because it was the presidential election [4].
On January 5, 2021, days before President Donald Trump took office, the White House National Security Council declassified the confidential document on the Indo-Pacific strategic framework formulated in 2017. President Donald Trump approved the document in February 2018. U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said in a declassified memorandum on January 5 that the declassification of documents transparently demonstrates the United States' strategic commitment to the Indo-Pacific and regional allies and partners. On January 12, the White House National Security Council released the document[3]. The fourth of the document's seven goals for the People's Republic of China is to "prevent China from using force against the United States and its allies and partners, and develop capabilities and options to defeat China in various conflicts." Among them, "formulate and implement a defense strategy that includes but is not limited to the following three points": 1. Deprive China of continuous air and sea control in the first island chain in a conflict; 2. Defend the first island chain countries, including Taiwan. ;3. Dominate all areas outside the first island chain [11][3].
On January 20, 2021, new presidency of Joe Biden took office and still implemented a strict policy toward China, and the China–United States trade war continued. On February 18, after the new session of Congress opened, Republican Senator Rick Scott and Representative Guy Reschenthaler re-introduced the "Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act" in the House and Senate, respectively. Invasion Prevention Act) [4]. Rick Scott's proposal (S.332 - Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act [12]) Related: Helps Taiwan counter Communist China's military buildup across the Taiwan Straits (Help Taiwan resist Communist China's military buildup across the Taiwan Straits); Establishes a limited authorization for the President to use military force for the specific purpose of securing and protecting Taiwan against armed attack (limited authorization for the President to use force to protect Taiwan from military attack) [13].
In the face of military pressure from the People's Republic of China, Richard N.Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, and some members of the U.S. Congress have argued that the U.S. government should adopt strategically clear policies to deter the People's Republic of Chinese unification. On April 29, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on global threats facing the United States. When the chairman of the hearing, Democratic Senator Jack Reed, asked what would happen to the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China "if the U.S. government changes its vague strategy in response to domestic political calls and "adopts a clear commitment to Taiwan (Republic of China)" Response?" Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines responded that the People's Republic of China would believe that the United States' explicit assistance in defending Taiwan would "create very great instability," allowing the People's Republic of China to "aggressively undermine U.S. military operations around the world. interests", and at the same time, the change in the U.S. government's position "may" lead to the Republic of China Taiwan independence movement [14].
On May 4, at a discussion hosted by the Financial Times, Indo-Pacific Policy Coordinator of the United States National Security Council, Kurt Campbell, faced calls from relevant U.S. figures for the U.S. government to make a clear stance on assisting in defense against Taiwan. significant disadvantages". If the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan by force and the United States helps defend Taiwan, then "any conflict over Taiwan between the People's Republic of China and the United States is unlikely to be limited to a small geographical area." "I think it will quickly expand and fundamentally destroy the global economy in ways that I do not think anyone could have predicted" [15].
On October 21, on a CNN program, someone asked, "If China attacks Taiwan, will the United States defend Taiwan?" U.S. President Biden said twice, "Yes, we have such a commitment." [16] On the 22nd, a White House spokesperson stated: "The president's remarks did not announce any change in our (Taiwan) policy. Our policy has not changed." U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on the same day. · Austin said the United States will continue to support Taiwan's forces but declined to confirm Joe Biden's remarks on the United States' commitment to defend Taiwan militarily should China attack Taiwan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg declined to "speculate on a hypothetical scenario" when asked about the risk of NATO forces being drawn into a potential conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China. [17]
In April 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe published an article in an American newspaper comparing Taiwan to Ukraine, saying that the United States should make a clear commitment to help defend Taiwan. On April 15, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, stated at a regular press conference, Individual Japanese politicians continue to speak nonsense on the Taiwan issue, discuss China's internal affairs, and instigate Second Cold War.Taiwan is firmly opposed to this." It is an inalienable part of China's territory. Taiwan’s political status is purely China’s internal affair and different from the Russo-Ukrainian War. There is no comparison. Japan once colonized Taiwan under Japanese rule and committed countless crimes. The Chinese people bear historically severe responsibilities. Relevant Japanese politicians should be particularly cautious in their words and deeds on the Taiwan issue to avoid sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces."[18]Taiwan under Japanese rule
On May 23, 2022, US President Biden, who was visiting Japan, made it clear at a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that the US military would be sent to assist in the defense of Taiwan. [19] The next day, Biden stated that his "strategic ambiguity" policy towards Taiwan would remain unchanged. [20]
On September 17, 2022, in an interview with CBS's " 60 Minutes" program, Biden reiterated that he would send troops if China attacked Taiwan. [21]
On November 16, 2023, during his talks with Biden, Xi Jinping reiterated China's firm position on the peaceful reunification of Taiwan, demanding that the United States stop arms sales to Taiwan and support Taiwan's peaceful reunification. In response, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that he would continue to take necessary actions by the Taiwan Relations Act and strive to help Taiwan obtain the means of self-defense [22][23].
Wang Yunfei, a senior researcher at Hong Kong's Sance think tank, divides the United States' assistance in defending Taiwan into two types of spatial assistance: short-range assistance and long-range assistance. Short-range assistance is provided by the United States Forces Japan and United States Forces Korea. Long-distance assistance is provided by the global military, including the Contiguous United States [1].
A 2004 article by Wang Yifeng, author of the People's Republic of China, pointed out that the military forces used by the United States to assist in the defense of Taiwan are mainly the 300,000 troops of the List of components of the U.S. Department of Defense and part of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The United States Seventh Fleet is the main force. There are three military defense modes[22]:15 List of components of the U.S. Department of Defense
Similar to the Vietnam War, the U.S. military concentrated its main forces on implementing a critical naval blockade and rapid deployment against the People's Republic of China.
Similar to the Korean War, the U.S. military directly sent some troops to Taiwan.
After the Chinese People's Liberation Army captured Taiwan Island, the U.S. military fought in the Battle of New Britain Island and annihilated the People's Liberation Army on Taiwan Island. Wang Yifeng believes that this is the preferred option of the U.S. military.
Author Hai Wei pointed out in a 2006 article that because "Americans are known to be afraid of casualties when fighting a war," the U.S. military will not land in Taiwan to engage in a ground war with the People's Liberation Army, "not to mention the odds of winning, and the large number of casualties that can be expected." It has become a burden that the United States cannot bear. [23]:26" Based on the personnel and equipment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the time, Haiyi believed that there was "no problem" in taking over Taiwan by force. However, in the face of the joint defense of Taiwan by the United States and Japan, the People's Liberation Army was only "There is a good chance of winning" [23]:25.
Haiyi speculates that the United States Navy will use two to three aircraft carrier battle groups and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to form a joint formation to "contain or even defeat the People's Liberation Army's sea and air forces from the sea and air with greater sea and air superiority." force, and further use carrier-based aircraft to attack the People's Liberation Army landing troops and even radar stations and missile bases on the southeast coast," forcing the People's Republic of China to "sit to the negotiating table." This is a "relatively safe choice for the United States and Japan, and the losses suffered are acceptable." Haiyi speculates that the US aircraft carrier battle group will engage in combat with the People's Liberation Army within a range of 600 kilometers east of the Taiwan Strait theater. In the competition between the People's Liberation Army and the United States, Japan, and Taiwan for air supremacy in the Taiwan Strait theater, it is not easy for the People's Liberation Army to "guarantee relative air supremacy, and it is even more difficult to organize an effective attack on the US aircraft carrier battle group." Due to the possible lack of air superiority, the People's Liberation Army will not be able to win the war solely by relying on the deterrent effect of nuclear submarines. The Sukhoi Su-30 and Xi'an JH-7 fighters owned by the People's Liberation Army have a combat radius of only about 1,000 kilometers, which is insufficient to pose a significant threat to the US fleet. Haiyi hopes to introduce no less than 12 Tupolev Tu-22M and an ideal number of 40 so that the People's Liberation Army can carry out " Saturation attack" on the US aircraft carrier battle group and help the People's Liberation Army "concentrate superior forces to compete for air supremacy in the theater, at least in the direction of the Taiwan Strait." The air superiority is relatively controlled so that it will not be overwhelmed by the swarming US warships and fighter jets."
Haiwei speculated on the use of bases in South Korea and Japan by the U.S. military, believing that South Korea may not allow the U.S. military to "use its airports to take off and land combat aircraft" due to its " China–South Korea relations" with the People's Republic of China [c]. Under the jurisdiction of the Fifth Air Force of the U.S. Pacific Air Force, Kadena Air Base in Japan will be the "main bridgehead" between the United States and Japan during wartime. Haiwei also pointed out that in order to prevent the United States and Japan from assisting in the defense of Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army may conduct long-distance attacks on military facilities in Japan, such as U.S. and Japanese military bases in Nagasaki, Yokohama, Yokosuka, and other places. In order to prevent China, Japan, and the United States from entering a "total war," the United States "will use these bases very 'restrainedly' ( Aerial refueling , P-3C anti-submarine aircraft) and will not use them as major wartime airports, but rely heavily on Its aircraft carrier battle group." [23]:27 Aerial refueling
After the 2010s, the Armed Forces of the People's Republic of China has increased. Wang Yunfei's article pointed out that when the military conflict between the two sides does not involve land targets, the People's Liberation Army can complete the combat mission against the US troops stationed United States Forces Japan and United States Forces Korea within three days. To support Taiwan from a long distance, the United States should invest in at least the five aircraft carrier battle groups used during the Iraq War [1].
The United States may unite with its allies to adopt economic sanctions (trade suspension, embargo, maritime blockade, freezing of financial assets, financial blockade), cyber warfare, and blocking of satellite navigation systems[d].
The People's Republic of China is the List of countries by largest historical GDP in the world after the United States and its economy is highly dependent on the international market. (26)In the financial field, the outside world believes that the US government can complete the financial blockade of the People's Republic of China and exclude it from the US dollar-dominated global payment and settlement system, SWIFT. (26)(27)A report by Guotai Junan in July 2020 stated that if it were excluded from SWIFT, the People's Republic of China could lose US$300 billion in trade, more than US$90 billion in foreign direct investment, and US$80 billion in outward direct investment each year. An article related to the China–United States trade war on the " Voice of America" website in 2020 pointed out that the possibility of the People's Republic of China, like North Korea and Iran, being excluded from SWIFT is low because "the move may have negative consequences for the United States itself and the global economy." risks" but "[People's Republic of China] officials and research institutions continue to discuss the potential consequences" and measures to reduce the risks.(27)Previously, in 2015, the People's Bank of China had just begun to build a Cross-Border Interbank Payment System. There are also authors from the Republic of China (Taiwan), relying on the Historical GDP of China and the " Reactions to the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests" of the U.S. government in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, saying that the U.S. government will not assist in the defense of Taiwan when the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan with force. No non-military means will be used. (28)An article in the 2020 New York Times Chinese website used food security and global strategic petroleum reserves, saying that the People's Republic of China government can solve the problem by increasing the food ownership rate, increasing oil reserves, and signing long-term oil supply contracts with oil-producing countries. In the face of economic sanctions, the government of the People's Republic of China "is more urgent to solve the problem of import and export in overseas markets and the complete supply of key technologies. To this end, its approach is to build the economy on dual circulation and technological independence in the next 15 years.". Once Western wold block China, Beijing can rely on this internal cycle. The 14th Fourteenth five-year plan (China) have this level of combat readiness considerations in mind. (26)
On June 16, 2022, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Lindsey Graham, the top Republican member of the Senate Budget Committee, jointly proposed the Taiwan Policy Act. The contents of the bill include that the United States will impose sanctions if China invades Taiwan, provide Taiwan with US$4.5 billion within four years, grant Taiwan the status of a " Major non-NATO ally," and rename the " Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States" to the " Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office."
In June 2004, mainstream media in the Republic of China (Taiwan) reported that U.S. military officers had arrived in Taiwan and were preparing to re-station in Taiwan in 2006 to assist in the defense of Taiwan(24). In 2020, in the context of Second Cold War between China and the United States, the U.S. military in the Taiwan Strait Before the war began, the issue of re-stationing in Taiwan was raised again. On March 7, Ian Easton of the American "2049 Project Institute" submitted a letter to the media titled "The United States should station troops in Taiwan" and advocated that the U.S. military should organize a thousand-person army, navy, air force, and marines. Mixed forces enter Taiwan. In June, a series of fake news about the re-station of the United States in Taiwan began to circulate on the Taiwanese Internet. For example, some U.S. troops stationed in Germany were transferred to Taiwan, the number of U.S. troops stationed in Taiwan increased to 50,000, at least three military bases were built, and F-35 and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense were deployed. Missile systems, at least 5,000 to 20,000 Medium-range ballistic missile, and even the deployment of nuclear weapons. (29)
The U.S. Army's bimonthly magazine "Military Review" published a series of articles on the theme of "China's armed aggression against Taiwan" in September and October.(29)(30) Among them, Walker D. Mills, an active-duty captain of the U.S. Marine Corps, authored "Stop the Dragon: U.S. Forces Return to Taiwan(31) (Deter the Dragon: Involving Taiwan(29))," which called on the United States to reconsider the deployment of ground troops in Taiwan. An article proposed sending the U.S. military to deploy four divisions and heavy equipment in Taiwan.(30) Walker Mills's article attracted the attention of both the government and the public in the Republic of China (Taiwan). (31)Ou Xifu, a researcher at the Institute of Chinese Government, Military and Operational Concepts at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, wrote in an article that Walker Mills' "this inflatable proposal appeared in the latest American publications and has been considered unbelievable, so far, but it highlights the United States' support for joint defense." A massive change in Taiwan's views." Walker Mills's proposal is equivalent to restoring the " Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty" and the successful combat plan. Regarding operational division of labor, Taiwan is responsible for ground operations, and the United States is responsible for air defense, naval surface operations, and air force attack operations.(32)
In September 2020, the " Global Times", the official media of the People's Republic of China, published an editorial: "The U.S. military will re-enter Taiwan?" That Will Mean War," said, "This discussion in the U.S. military magazine can be regarded as part of the public opinion war against China. It is trying to open up a new space for the U.S. strategy of putting pressure on China. Once the U.S. military does that, it will not only mean that the U.S. The complete end of the one-China policy will constitute a blatant challenge to China's sovereignty. Such a release of information is forgetful. We want to tell the United States and Taiwan that they must give up the illusion of redeploying U.S. troops in Taiwan because that means war. ""The redeployment of U.S. troops to Taiwan" already complies with Articles 2 and 3 of the three conditions for adopting military means to resolve the Taiwan issue in the Anti-Secession Law. "We believe that the People's Liberation Army will take military action by then to start a just war to liberate Taiwan." (30)Wang Kunyi, chairman and professor of the Taiwan Society for International Strategic Studies, also wrote an article saying that if the U.S. military stationed in Taiwan comes true, it will start a war. Eventually, "tens of millions of lives will fall." Previously, Wang Yifeng's article in 2004 described "[The re-station of U.S. troops in Taiwan] is essentially tearing up the Three Communiqués between China and the United States, which will inevitably lead to not only a cross-strait showdown but also a breakup between China and the United States. This will majorly impact the world." great crisis."(24)
On October 22 of the same year, the US think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) held a seminar in Washington. Richard C. , former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said that the re-station of troops in Taiwan would undermine the conditions set by normalizing relations between the United States and China in the 1970s (the Three Communiqués). He guessed that this would put tremendous pressure on Beijing and may demand the Suspension or cancellation of diplomatic relations with the United States. (33)
In late September 2020, a Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation poll showed that 60% of Taiwanese adults over 20 believed that the United States might send troops to help defend Taiwan when the People's Republic of China takes over Taiwan by force, while 33% disagreed. Yinglong, chairman of the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, said that this finding shows that most Taiwanese people now believe that if China invades Taiwan with force, the U.S. military may help defend Taiwan.(34) A poll conducted by "ETtoday News Cloud" in October of the same year showed that assuming a military conflict broke out across the Taiwan Strait, 54.0% of the public believed the United States would help defend Taiwan, and 35.0% believed that the United States would not. 55.7% of the public support the more radical "U.S. military stationing in Taiwan to assist in defense of Taiwan," while 30.7% do not. (35)A December poll showed that 48.0% of the public believed prospective U.S. President Biden would not help defend Taiwan. However, polls conducted after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in March 2022 showed that as many as 55.9% of the people believed that the United States would not help defend Taiwan. 55.7% of the public support the more radical "U.S. military stationing in Taiwan to assist in defense of Taiwan," while 30.7% do not. A December poll showed that 48.0% of the public believed prospective U.S. President Joe Biden would not help defend Taiwan.(36) However, polls conducted after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in March 2022 showed that as many as 55.9% of the people believed that the United States would not help defend Taiwan.(37)
An article by Zhang Ziyang, an associate professor at the Nanhua University, in 2008 stated that "Taiwan has full confidence in the United States to help defend Taiwan." "Taiwan's confidence comes from the misinformation of the United States; that is, Taiwan is of high strategic importance to the United States, and the United States is of high strategic importance to Taiwan." The quality of arms sales is low, so Taiwan can reasonably assume that the United States will help defend Taiwan."(38). At the same time, "Taiwan's excessive confidence in the United States' assistance in defense" "allows China to reasonably doubt whether the United States has a secret commitment to Taiwan. In particular, establishing long-range early warning radars makes Taiwan a part of the United States' early warning system. China has even more reason to doubt whether the United States has a secret commitment to Taiwan." Has Taiwan secretly promised to assist each other in ensuring each other's homeland security?"(38)
On February 19, 2021, in response to the proposal of the "Taiwan Aggression Prevention Act" in the U.S. Congress. Ou Jiang'an, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China, said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for taking various friendly actions towards Taiwan, demonstrating their great importance to Taiwan's security and regional peace and stability, and strongly supporting Taiwan-U.S. military and security cooperation.(4)
Hai Wei, the author of The People's Republic of China, believes that militarily, if the People's Republic of China can achieve its strategic goal of effectively preventing the United States from assisting in the Chinese unification, "the liberation of Taiwan will only be a matter of time"(25). Other authors have politically related it to Taiwan independence forces, describing it as "emboldened and an important life-saving straw" for Taiwan independence movement. It is also a "wrong signal that the international community, especially the United States, often sends"(24)
In 2020, cross-strait relations and Sino-US relations continue to be tense. In September, Wang Shushen, director of the Taiwan-US Office of the Taiwan Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences,(39) wrote that in addition to cooperating with the U.S. government and exacerbating cross-strait relations, the Democratic Presidency of Tsai Ing-wen also used the argument that the U.S. was helping to defend Taiwan to "strengthen the U.S. The 'support for Taiwan theory' spreads the 'theory that Taiwan independence is harmless' to the people on the island and pins the security of the Taiwan region on the illusory U.S. defense. [...] The United States' 'fight for Taiwan independence' is illusory for Taiwan. Fantasy. The United States regards Taiwan as a pawn that can be traded and sacrificed."(40) On October 6, the Kuomintang Legislative Yuan caucus proposed and passed two bills at the Legislative Yuan - "The government should request the United States to resist Taiwan's security and defense " CCP" and "Taiwan-U.S. Restoration of Diplomatic Relations" case. The official media of the People's Republic of China " Huanqiu.com" published a commentary article calling it "promoting the US military to assist in the defense of Taiwan" and "resuming diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the United States". It also stated that "no matter what the considerations are based on, these two are proposals of a 'Taiwan independence' nature. , must be strongly condemned.” [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41]
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (
link)