What is Harris and Trump’s approach to the Taiwan issue?
Mehr News, International Group: In recent years, Taiwan has become one of the main axes of geopolitical competition between America and China have become. Beijing insists that the Taiwan issue is an “internal” issue and has asked foreign governments not to interfere. Chinese officials have repeatedly criticized Washington for supporting the island of Taiwan, concluding defense contracts and sending weapons to the island.
At the same time that the US government maintains informal relations with Taiwan and sends weapons to the island, tensions between the US and China over Taiwan have risen because the same As mentioned, Beijing considers the island of Taiwan a part of its territory and considers any interference of Western countries in this issue as a “violation of its sovereignty”.
Taiwan is geographically located in an area that is one of the vital routes for global shipping and international trade. In addition, Taiwan plays an important role in the global supply chain for electronic products and computer chips. Due to the expansion of China’s influence in the region and the emphasis of the United States on maintaining security and freedom of navigation, Taiwan has become a strategic point in the geopolitical competition between the United States and China.
In recent years, America has provided extensive military aid to Taiwan with the aim of increasing Taiwan’s defense capability against possible threats from China. These contributions have included the sale of weapons, military equipment, as well as training and military training programs for Taiwan’s forces, which will be discussed separately below;
1. Arms sales: The United States has continuously sold a variety of modern weapons to Taiwan, such as advanced missiles, fighter jets, air defense systems, and communications equipment. In 2020 alone, the US State Department approved several military packages to Taiwan, including more than $5 billion in arms sales.
In 2023, America allocated a military package of 500 million dollars to Taiwan. A few days ago (November 4), the US Department of Defense announced that Washington had approved the sale of an arms package worth 2 billion dollars to Taiwan. This package includes the delivery of an advanced air defense missile system.
2. Defense and intelligence equipment: The US has also supplied Taiwan with advanced radar systems and reconnaissance and intelligence equipment. These equipments help Taiwan to better monitor China’s military activities in the region.
3. Training cooperation and military exercises: The American and Taiwanese armed forces hold joint military exercises on a limited basis. Also, in recent years, the United States has organized training and consulting programs for the Taiwanese forces in order to improve the level of their military readiness and capability.
The direction of the Taiwan issue in the future US administration
Now this question comes to mind that the possible approaches of Republican Party candidate Donald Trump and Kamala Harris /span>” How will the presidential election candidate from the ruling party (Democrat) be towards Taiwan?
A. Trump’s approach to the Taiwan issue
During the first term of his presidency, Trump showed that he has a serious determination to pressure China by launching a trade-tariff war against Beijing and supporting Taiwan. In 2016, shortly after winning the election, Trump spoke with Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan at the time; This action, which was considered to be a change in official American policies and a kind of warning to China about America’s support for Taiwan, angered Beijing and gave Taipei hope.
During his presidency, Trump started a trade war with China and adopted strict economic and security policies towards this country. These policies also indirectly affected US relations with Taiwan. Military support to Taiwan, sales of military equipment and strengthening of security and economic cooperation with this country increased during the Trump era.
It is predicted that if re-elected, Trump is likely to continue his previous policies towards Taiwan and may take more steps to strengthen military and economic ties with Taiwan. Taiwan to do. Also, it seems that Trump is willing to increase the pressure on China and use Taiwan as a tool to strengthen the US position vis-a-vis China.
B. Harris‘s approach to the Taiwan issue
Harris As a member of the Democratic Party, he is more interested in multilateral diplomacy and working with It has international allies. He emphasizes that America should pursue its policies towards China and Taiwan through international institutions and in cooperation with its allies.
Harris Unlike Trump, he will probably take a softer approach towards China and try to avoid Use diplomatic methods to solve international issues. This approach could mean easing tensions with China, although it is likely that Harris will continue to support Taiwan against Chinese military threats.
At the same time, Harris in the position of deputy Biden also had conversations with the officials of this island, which angered the leaders of Beijing; Like the conversation two years ago Harris with “William Lai”, the vice president of Taiwan, which Harris after The controversial conversation revealed that they discussed a shared interest in Central America and the US administration’s “root causes” strategy to curb immigration.
It is predicted that if Harris is elected as the President of the United States, a more diplomatic approach and to be more cautious towards Taiwan. He is likely to support a policy of strengthening ties with Taiwan, but through diplomatic means and not necessarily through massive arms sales or massive military buildup.
In addition, Harris is likely to focus on cooperation with Japan, South Korea and other America’s allies in the region will emphasize to increase the pressure on China through an international coalition.
The completion of the word
Taiwan has become one of the most important foreign policy issues of the United States on the eve of the 2024 elections due to rapid changes in international relations and increasing competition between the United States and China. has been The election of Trump or Harris as the next president of the United States can have important consequences for Taiwan and the Pacific region.
Trump’s and Harris’s approaches to Taiwan are fundamentally different. Viewing Taiwan as a tool to strengthen America’s position vis-à-vis China, Trump is likely to seek to strengthen military and economic ties with the island. He is likely to use Taiwan as a geopolitical card in negotiations by increasing pressure on China.
Unlike Trump, who is likely to adopt a more aggressive and militaristic policy towards Taiwan, Harris because The desire for diplomacy and multilateral cooperation will most likely seek to strengthen relations with Taiwan through diplomatic cooperation and reduce tensions with China.
