The recent pivot in U.S. foreign policy raises alarms in Taiwan about its own defense against potential Chinese aggression.
Taiwan's Uncertain Future Amid Shifting U.S. Support for Ukraine
Taiwan's Uncertain Future Amid Shifting U.S. Support for Ukraine
Taiwan fears for its security as U.S. policy on Ukraine tilts under Trump’s influence.
In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan's government aligned itself closely with the United States and other allies, advocating for shared democratic values and support for Ukraine. As both nations faced threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan expressed solidarity, believing that any assault on democracy anywhere could lead to similar dangers for its own sovereignty.
However, with President Trump’s recent statements suggesting a pivot away from supporting Ukraine, doubts have emerged within Taiwan regarding the reliability of U.S. assistance in the face of escalating tensions with China. Russell Hsiao, executive director of the Global Taiwan Institute, pointed out that Taiwan has worked diligently over the past years to illustrate the interconnected fate of democracies globally. Trump’s unexpected shift in position could make some Taiwanese officials question whether the U.S. might withdraw its support at a critical moment.
Taiwan has long been on alert for a potential invasion from China, which regularly tests its defenses by sending military aircraft and naval vessels near the island. A strong U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense has formed the cornerstone of its strategy for deterring such threats. Over the last decade, strengthening its partnership with the U.S. has been central to Taiwan's foreign policy.
Yet as Trump takes a dramatic stance that undermines the Western unity against Russia, Taiwan and its leaders now face the unsettling reality of recalibrating their strategies. They must consider how to secure unwavering U.S. support and whether they can depend on Washington should tensions escalate with China. The situation continues to evolve, keeping Taiwan's political landscape in a state of flux.
However, with President Trump’s recent statements suggesting a pivot away from supporting Ukraine, doubts have emerged within Taiwan regarding the reliability of U.S. assistance in the face of escalating tensions with China. Russell Hsiao, executive director of the Global Taiwan Institute, pointed out that Taiwan has worked diligently over the past years to illustrate the interconnected fate of democracies globally. Trump’s unexpected shift in position could make some Taiwanese officials question whether the U.S. might withdraw its support at a critical moment.
Taiwan has long been on alert for a potential invasion from China, which regularly tests its defenses by sending military aircraft and naval vessels near the island. A strong U.S. commitment to Taiwan's defense has formed the cornerstone of its strategy for deterring such threats. Over the last decade, strengthening its partnership with the U.S. has been central to Taiwan's foreign policy.
Yet as Trump takes a dramatic stance that undermines the Western unity against Russia, Taiwan and its leaders now face the unsettling reality of recalibrating their strategies. They must consider how to secure unwavering U.S. support and whether they can depend on Washington should tensions escalate with China. The situation continues to evolve, keeping Taiwan's political landscape in a state of flux.
