The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a new arms sale to Taiwan on December 15. It claims that the equipment in this sale will be used to maintain the lifecycle of Taiwan’s “Rapid An System,” which includes command, control, communication, and computer systems, ensuring the secure transmission of tactical information and enhancing Taiwan’s capabilities to counter current and future threats. The United States also asserts that its Indo-Pacific strategy remains unchanged.
With just one month left before the Taiwan elections, the sudden announcement of arms sales by the United States sends a negative signal. China, in response, strongly opposed it during a routine press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing serious concerns to the United States. China also declared countermeasures against companies involved in the arms sale. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense responded on Tuesday (19th), urging the United States to cease arming Taiwan and avoid further straying down a mistaken and dangerous path. The “Taiwan countering China” strategy is doomed to fail, and the path of seeking independence through force is a dead end. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is intensifying training and preparations, resolutely defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
After the meeting in San Francisco, intensive comprehensive negotiations between China and the United States are underway. The sense is that the stability of Sino-US relations is promising. However, the United States is once again playing with fire, this time on the Taiwan issue. The Taiwan issue is not only a core interest of China but also a cornerstone of Sino-US relations. This was a focal point during the San Francisco meeting, where China emphasized its strong demand for the United States to cease arming Taiwan unless it commits to the “One China” principle. The negotiations are ongoing, but the United States is disregarding China’s opposition to arms sales to Taiwan, evidently creating tensions. The United States is impatiently launching a new “attack” against China, once again undermining the foundation of Sino-US dialogue. The United States is creating tension, and the future of Sino-US relations remains uncertain.
There are likely three main reasons for the U.S. actions:
1. A strong psychological desire for “America First”: The current situation fuels fears of losing the “America First” position, and the United States, accustomed to bullying, feels challenged by emerging global forces. In the current scenario, reshaping U.S. leadership or asserting dominance is crucial for the United States. “Balancing” China has become a key factor. The United States aims to establish its hegemonic image by deliberately manipulating the Taiwan issue, a severe violation of China’s core interests.
2. South China Sea tensions and the need for distraction: The U.S. has been encouraging the Philippines to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, with occasional appearances of U.S. military support for the Philippines. However, few countries, especially ASEAN members, have actively supported the U.S., and many are strengthening cooperation with China. China’s relations with ASEAN are growing closer, and the U.S. is desperate to find a “soft target” to provoke China through arms sales to Taiwan.
3. U.S. domestic politics and the upcoming presidential election: The U.S. presidential election campaign has begun, and President Biden’s approval ratings are declining. The recent House approval of an impeachment inquiry adds to Biden’s challenges. The Taiwan issue becomes a convenient distraction, showcasing the Biden administration’s incompetence. Continuously supporting or indirectly supporting Taiwan independence may strengthen pro-independence forces in Taiwan, making reunification more challenging but also reinforcing China’s determination.
It is worth noting that on December 15, the same day the U.S. announced the new arms sale, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a notice, determining that Taiwan’s trade restrictions on the mainland constitute trade barriers. This investigation, initiated on April 12, challenges the political correctness of the “hands-off Taiwan” policy. This trade barrier investigation is just the beginning, signaling that there is nothing untouchable about Taiwan. The investigation indicates that Taiwan is not a politically sensitive issue, contrary to popular belief.
While many are focused on the arms sale announcement, China’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a trade barrier investigation, challenging the belief that Taiwan is politically off-limits. This investigation is the beginning of puncturing the notion that “Taiwan cannot be touched,” emphasizing that there is nothing inviolable about Taiwan and challenging the so-called political correctness.
It is widely known that China is moving towards reunification, and while the exact timing is uncertain, preparations need to be made. The U.S. actions may be seen as an attempt to force Taiwan into a choice between reunification and separation, further complicating the situation. The recent trade barrier investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce serves as a reminder that Taiwan is not off-limits, and the notion of “hands-off Taiwan” is not a political reality.
As the world awaits the evolution of the Taiwan Strait situation, it remains to be seen whether Taiwan perceives the changes and is prepared for the challenges ahead. (HK01)