Former president Donald Trump stated that he would not need to resort to military force in response to a potential China blockade of Taiwan because Chinese leader Xi Jinping respects him and understands that he is unpredictable. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) could potentially use a blockade to cut off Taiwan’s trade routes, leading to resource shortages and instilling fear among the Taiwanese population. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Oct. 18, Trump mentioned that instead of military action, he would consider raising tariffs on China-made goods to 150–200 percent if Xi or the CCP decided to besiege Taiwan.
Recent surveys by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs have shown a decline in American public support for using the U.S. Navy to counter a CCP blockade of Taiwan. The majority of Americans now prefer non-military approaches to support Taiwan, such as inclusion in international organizations and providing supplies. President Joe Biden has stated that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if necessary, but the U.S. policy remains deliberately ambiguous on the specifics of such defense.
Amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty, prompting a large-scale military drill by Beijing. The CCP’s actions have raised concerns about a potential blockade on key ports and areas in Taiwan. Experts suggest that the CCP has been developing a Taiwan blockade contingency plan since the late 1980s.
While the U.S. response to the military drills was deemed insufficient by some experts, there are calls for additional measures such as returning a carrier strike group to the Western Pacific and imposing sanctions on Chinese entities involved in militarizing the Chinese Coast Guard. Xi Jinping’s recent visits to key military locations in China indicate a focus on strengthening China’s strategic capabilities.
Overall, the situation between China, Taiwan, and the United States remains tense, with concerns about potential military actions and the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Lily Zhou contributed to this report.
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