Taiwan at the Crossroads: Defending Democracy in the US-China Rivalry.

January 27th 2025

Source: Taiwan News

In Summary:

As the rivalry between the U.S. and China intensifies, Taiwan finds itself at the epicenter of a geopolitical struggle with far-reaching implications for global norms, trade security, and democratic resilience. Taiwan’s strategic value lies in its role as a vital military outpost, its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing (producing the majority of the world’s chips), and its position in Indo-Pacific trade routes. However, the island faces existential threats from China, including military aggression and potential blockades targeting its critical energy vulnerabilities - natural gas reserves could last only eight days, and coal reserves 42 days during a crisis.

The U.S. and its allies must adopt bold measures to bolster Taiwan’s defenses and resilience, including investments in asymmetric capabilities like drones and missile systems, as well as partnerships with Quad nations and European allies to ensure a rules-based international order. Taiwan’s security is not just a regional concern; its fall could trigger global economic and political crises, affecting everything from tech supply chains to international energy markets.

This situation raises urgent questions: How should democracies act to counter growing authoritarian aggression? Can alliances move swiftly enough to protect shared values? Taiwan serves as a litmus test for U.S. leadership and the strength of democratic cooperation. Beyond military measures, fostering economic ties, investing in sustainable energy solutions, and reinforcing democratic alliances are essential for ensuring Taiwan’s survival and stability.

Read the original article at: Taiwan News