How Taiwan Looms Large In US-China Ties, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the US underscored Taiwan as a primary concern for Beijing in bilateral ties.
• Xi urged the US to maintain its stance against 'Taiwan independence' to strengthen strategic cooperation.
• The US policy towards Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, positioning the US as Taiwan's main arms supplier.
• Former President Donald Trump has recently softened his rhetoric on Taiwan's defense, aligning with some of Xi's viewpoints.
• A proposed $14-billion arms package for Taiwan has been paused, causing apprehension among Taiwan and regional allies.

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Detailed Insights:

• Prior to 1979, the United States officially recognized Taiwan as the legitimate representative of China.
• The Three Joint Communiqués between the US and mainland China led to mutual diplomatic recognition, with the US agreeing to gradually reduce arms sales to Taiwan.
• Concurrently, the Six Assurances were provided to Taiwan, affirming continued US support and no end date for arms sales.
• The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 established the framework for unofficial US-Taiwan relations, committing the US to assist Taiwan's self-defense.
• Taiwan's role as home to TSMC, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, has amplified its strategic importance in global supply chains.
• Regional partners, including Japan, are expressing concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea and are enhancing their defense capabilities and joint exercises with the US.
• The delay in approving the arms package by Trump is perceived by some as a tactic to secure broader trade and investment agreements with China.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Taiwan Relations Act of 1979: A US law that defines the unofficial relations between the United States and Taiwan.
• Three Joint Communiqués: A series of agreements between the US and China that established diplomatic relations and outlined US policy on Taiwan.
• Six Assurances: A set of commitments made by the US to Taiwan in 1982, clarifying US policy regarding arms sales and relations.
• One China Policy: The diplomatic stance acknowledging China's position that there is only one Chinese government.