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Context:

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic recognition, the United States and Taiwan have cultivated strong unofficial ties, mainly governed by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979.

About the U.S.-Taiwan Relations

Unofficial but Strong Relationship

The U.S. maintains a policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan's defense, which means that while the U.S. does not commit to military intervention in the event of a Chinese attack, it also doesn't rule it out.

Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 outlines the U.S. commitment to:

• Preserve and promote extensive commercial, cultural, and other relations between the people of the U.S. and Taiwan.
• Make available to Taiwan the defense articles and defense services necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.
• Maintain the capacity of the U.S. to resist any resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of the people on Taiwan.

U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan

The U.S. is a major arms supplier to Taiwan, this aims to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities against potential Chinese aggression.

Despite China's strong objections, the U.S. continues to approve and deliver arms to Taiwan.

Evolving U.S. Stance on Taiwan

A recent update to the U.S. State Department's factsheet on Taiwan removed the statement "we do not support Taiwan independence." While the U.S. officially maintains its "One China Policy," this change is sensed by some as a subtle shift in tone.

The removal was welcomed by Taiwan but strongly criticized by China, who viewed it as a "serious regression" in the U.S. stance and a message encouraging "Taiwan independence separatist forces.

U.S.-Taiwan Engagement

• The U.S. and Taiwan have initiated trade talks aimed at deepening economic ties.
• The U.S. has been increasingly vocal in its support for Taiwan's democracy and its international space.
• The U.S. and Taiwan are reportedly enhancing military cooperation, although details are often kept confidential.

China's Role and Rising Tensions

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has vowed to reunify it with the mainland, by force if necessary. In recent years, China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, including:

• Frequent military drills in the Taiwan Strait, including naval and air force exercises, to threaten Taiwan and signal China's determination.
• Regular incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) by Chinese military aircraft have become common, testing Taiwan's defenses and increasing the risk of miscalculation.
• China has been actively working to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, reducing the number of countries that recognize Taiwan.
• China utilises "grey zone" tactics, such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of spy balloons, to exert pressure on Taiwan without engaging in direct military conflict.

Donald Trump's Ambiguous Stance

U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to Taiwan has been characterized by unpredictability. While his administration took significant steps to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations through arms sales and legislation, his oratory has sometimes introduced uncertainty.

Taiwan's Vulnerable Position and Response

Taiwan faces an existential challenge from China's growing pressure and military buildup. In response, Taiwan is aims to:

• Strengthen its ties with the U.S. for security guarantees and arms.
• Strengthen its own defense capabilities through increased military spending and asymmetric warfare strategies. Facing existential challenges from China, Taiwan is increasing its defense budget, currently at $19.1 billion (2.6% of GDP in 2023).
• Maintain economic stability, especially in the semiconductor industry.

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Source:

THE HINDU

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