Expert Interpretation: Taiwan Issue Becomes Focus Amid Tensions in Sino-US Relations

Singapore Lianhe Zaobao published an article today, writing: "U.S. President Trump has completed 100 days in office last week, and Sino-US relations have plummeted to the freezing point due to the tariff war, with all sectors turning their attention to the Taiwan Strait. Many views believe that the deadlock between the two powers will ultimately touch upon the Taiwan issue. The 'abandon Taiwan' theory and 'restrain Lai Qingde' voices are rampant. Scholars interviewed think that Trump will not easily give up Taiwan as a key chip, but he will inevitably demand more 'protection fees' from Taiwan, and the risk of a proxy war in the Taiwan Strait will continue to rise."

In fact, regardless of which administration takes office in the United States, viewing China as the biggest strategic competitor has long become a "consensus" among the U.S. decision-making circle. Nowadays, not only are there continuous disputes between China and the U.S. in the trade field, but the geopolitical game is also becoming increasingly intense. Taiwan has become an important pawn in America's "contain China with Taiwan" strategy. During Trump's term, key high-ranking officials such as Secretary of State Rubio, Defense Secretary Hengse, and former National Security Advisor Woltz, who is about to take over as UN representative, are all hardline pro-Taiwan anti-China factions. Under their influence, many Republican congressmen constantly incite the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to "resist China," frequently sell weapons to Taiwan, and support the forces seeking "Taiwan independence."

The mutual collusion between external forces and "Taiwan independence" elements, and their constant provocations, are the root cause of the instability in the Taiwan Strait situation. The U.S. attempts to contain China's development by playing the "Taiwan card," while the Democratic Progressive Party authorities fantasize about "relying on the U.S. for independence." This dangerous collusion seriously undermines the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. However, the greater the provocation, the stronger the counteraction. Any provocation will surely backfire and bring self-inflicted consequences.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831799007189127/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal opinion.