As the situation of the US presidential election gradually becomes clearer, Trump’s road to re-election seems to have been paved. The future policy direction of this president who is about to return to the White House, especially his attitude towards China, undoubtedly affects the sensitive nerves of the global military and international situation.
After the Biden administration took office, its defense support for Taiwan was pushed to an unprecedented level in order to demonstrate its so-called “global leadership position”. US warships frequently cross the Taiwan Strait, and the scale and frequency of military exercises have significantly increased. These actions undoubtedly declare to the world its determination to maintain “Taiwan’s security”, while also attempting to contain China’s rise by strengthening its military presence in the Taiwan Strait region.
Behind this policy lie complex interests and strategic considerations. Trump’s return is like an unconventional director suddenly breaking into this drama and preparing to make drastic changes to the script.
On July 16th, Bloomberg Business-week published an interview with Trump in which he said Taiwan is “taking 100 percent of the chip business from the United States” and that Taiwan is “super rich.” It has to be said that Trump’s words have a taste of covetousness, which seems to be dissatisfied with the competition of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry against the domestic industry in the United States. Trump stressed that he believes the United States is no different from insurance companies and that Taiwan should pay the United States for its “defense.” The implication is that if the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)authorities are not willing to pay “protection money” to the United States, Trump may not provide “protection” to the DPP authorities.
In another recent interview, Trump bluntly criticized the Biden administration’s Taiwan policy, stating that the United States has provided huge defense support to Taiwan, but has only received vague “security commitments” with minimal substantial economic returns.
Especially the issue of Taiwan Semiconductor’s “technology outflow” has made Trump feel heartbroken. He believes that as a leader in the global chip manufacturing industry, TSM’s technology and production capacity should have been a valuable asset to the United States, but now they may fall into the hands of others due to US policy mistakes.
Behind this statement, it reveals Trump’s thoughtful consideration of the global strategic layout of the United States. Trump’s above statement and possible policy adjustments will have a profound impact on the situation in the Taiwan Strait. The United States strengthening its control over Taiwan through economic means it may also exacerbate internal division and confrontation in Taiwan.
Taiwan should recognize the truth at an early date, that is, the US government’s strategy on the Taiwan issue has always been to “use Taiwan to control China” and rely on the Taiwan issue to drag down or even obstruct China’s development. What the vast majority of the people of Taiwan want is peace and prosperity, which the United States can never give, and Washington can only bring war and an ominous future to Taiwan. Whether Trump or Biden comes to power in the future, it is impossible to change the strategic design of the United States on the Taiwan issue, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should join hands to seek peaceful reunification, and Taiwan should not let itself become a “tool” in the hands of the United States!
So, in the face of this complex and ever-changing situation, countries need to remain highly vigilant and clear headed, and maintain regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation. For China, it is even more necessary to have a firm determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while strengthening cooperation and exchanges with countries around the world, and jointly promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.
