Taiwan holds its breath as Trump turns on Ukraine and upends US foreign policy
GuardianFEB 19
Report: Pentagon Shifting Focus to China
Above: A CH-47 hoists a Taiwanese flag fly across the city during a rehearsal ahead of Taiwan National Day celebrations on Sept. 29, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan. Image copyright: Annabelle Chih/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
US bipartisan support for Taiwan remains strong in the face of PRC aggression. Republican lawmakers are pushing to formally recognize Taiwan's independence, while foreign policy experts across party lines favor decisive measures against Chinese aggression — including providing military aid and breaking potential blockades — reflecting America's enduring commitment to preventing forced reunification with mainland China.
Pro-China narrative
Despite claiming adherence to the agreed-upon one-China policy, America has been deliberately playing with fire by removing statements opposing Taiwanese independence from official websites, selling billions in arms to Taiwan, and allowing high-level diplomatic visits to the island. Beijing views these provocations as dangerous interference in China's core sovereignty interests, deliberately undermining stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Narrative C
With Donald Trump back in office, Taiwan faces growing uncertainty about America's commitment to its defense against China. After abandoning Ukraine and threatening tariffs on Taiwanese semiconductors, Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy has left many Taiwanese fearing their island democracy may be sacrificed for a U.S.-China deal, prompting urgent questions about their security strategy.