Taiwan: The Indo-Pacific Cornerstone and the Imperative of Deterrence

A Former US Commander Highlights Taiwan's Strategic Importance and China's Ambitions

Taiwan serves as a critical cornerstone for economic and security influence within the Indo-Pacific region, according to a recent assessment by a former high-ranking US military official.

The official emphasized China's strategic objective to surpass US leadership in the international order, a goal the nation has publicly stated it intends to achieve by 2050.

Concerns were raised regarding the potential for China to use a multifaceted strategy, including economic, diplomatic, and military measures, to undermine US influence and project an image of rising Chinese power and declining US authority. It's important to remember that these concerns do not necessarily reflect a defined timeline.

The official noted that China has explicitly prioritized "internal" security matters, which encompass Taiwan. In response to such statements, the official underscores the urgent need for stronger deterrents against China.

Taiwan is acknowledged as a core interest for China. The official also highlighted that the reliability of US policy is consistently measured by the Taiwan Relations Act and the enduring US-Taiwan relationship.

While reinforcing alliances and partnerships, including support for Taiwan, the official stressed that Taiwan must simultaneously invest in strengthening its own defenses.

Further analysis indicates that Taiwan's defense spending should be increased to effectively address its defensive needs. This is a key aspect of maintaining regional stability.

In addition to developing asymmetrical combat capabilities, Taiwan's conventional military capabilities require enhancement. This includes procuring essential weapon platforms like aircraft, ships, and submarines to counter the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) persistent activities.

The PLA frequently dispatches aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, crosses the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and conducts naval exercises around Taiwan.

The potential consequences of Taiwan coming under the control of China would include the possibility of Japan and South Korea reconsidering their own nuclear strategies to ensure regional security, which could challenge the US stance on nuclear proliferation and potentially destabilize the US-led Asia-Pacific security framework.