Recent trends suggest a change in Taiwan’s official status may be on the horizon
Taiwan News
Date: 2019/06/08
By: Duncan DeAeth, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
File Photo: President Trump with Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan (By Associated Press)
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Over the past several months, and especially the last few weeks, it appears that the United States under the Trump administration is taking a much clearer stance on relations with Taiwan.
Specifically, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report published by the Department of Defense (DoD) on June 1, along with a few other notable events, and the recently reported US$2.6 billion dollar weapon’s deal to provide Taiwan with new tanks and missiles, suggests that the Trump administration is taking its obligation to ensure Taiwan’s defensive capabilities seriously.
The terminology used in the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report (PDF link) may indicate a change in how Washington sees Taiwan’s political status. On page 30 of the report, under the heading “Strengthening Partnerships,” the DoD states the following.
“As democracies in the Indo-Pacific, Singapore, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Mongolia are reliable, capable, and natural partners of the United States. All four countries contribute to U.S. missions around the world and are actively taking steps to uphold a free and open international order.” [FULL STORY]
