Why U.S. Strategic Ambiguity on Taiwan Should End
The author argues that Washington must drop its vague Taiwan policy and adopt clear, peace-focused commitments to both Beijing and Taipei.
The article maintains that Taiwan’s status is inherently unclear, yet the United States’ long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity fuels uncertainty and danger in the Strait. It proposes that Washington abandon pretenses and openly support Taiwan’s self-defence while warning Beijing against coercion, without taking a position on sovereignty. The author notes that a Chinese invasion is unlikely to succeed and would devastate both economies, while Taiwan’s current de-facto independence offers most benefits with limited risk.
Public opinion in Taiwan favors the status quo, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping faces intense domestic pressure to prevent a loss of the island. A clear U.S. policy, the author argues, would stabilize relations and encourage a peaceful, mutually-agreed resolution.
