Taiwan Defense: Shouldn’t Rely on U.S.

Chairman Xi Jinping has promised to control Taiwan within this decade. Like Germany, Taiwan does little for itself; it relies on America for protection. Taiwan spends only a token 2.6 percent of its GDP on defense. War games show that only American forces (including aircraft striking from Japanese bases) can repel an amphibious assault on Taiwan. That means both Japan and the U.S. must be willing to fight World War III, shouldering hundreds of thousands of casualties and economic chaos.

Unlike in the case of Germany, however, America has not pledged to fight for Taiwan. Congress has never passed a binding resolution. When President Joe Biden offhandedly said we would fight, his staff publicly walked back his words. His actual actions do not show resolve. For four years, he has reduced our navy. Equally uncommitted, former president Donald Trump has refused to declare whether he would fight for Taiwan. He has consistently criticized those under America’s security umbrella who don’t pay their “fair share” for their own defense. Any objective observer would counsel Taiwan to tend to its own freedom, and not rely upon America to do it.

About the Author

Bing West

Bing West served as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs and has written a dozen books about America’s recent wars.

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Chairman Xi Jinping has promised to control Taiwan within this decade. Like Germany, Taiwan does little for itself; it relies on America for protection. Taiwan spends only a token 2.6 percent of its GDP on defense. War games show that only American forces (including aircraft striking from Japanese bases) can repel an amphibious assault on Taiwan. That means both Japan and the U.S. must be willing to fight World War III, shouldering hundreds of thousands of casualties and economic chaos.

Unlike in the case of Germany, however, America has not pledged to fight for Taiwan. Congress has never passed a binding resolution. When President Joe Biden offhandedly said we would fight, his staff publicly walked back his words. His actual actions do not show resolve. For four years, he has reduced our navy. Equally uncommitted, former president Donald Trump has refused to declare whether he would fight for Taiwan. He has consistently criticized those under America’s security umbrella who don’t pay their “fair share” for their own defense. Any objective observer would counsel Taiwan to tend to its own freedom, and not rely upon America to do it.