US Reaffirms Support for Taiwan’s Defense Amid Rising Tensions with China
The US has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s defense, pledging to continue supplying the island with essential military equipment and services to bolster its self-defense capabilities. This assurance was reaffirmed at the annual US-Taiwan Defence Industry Conference, which commenced in Philadelphia on Sunday, showcasing the depth of defense cooperation between the two democracies.
The conference, organized by the US-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC), comes at a critical time as Taiwan faces increasing threats from China, which views the self-governing island as a breakaway province. The US State Department, citing the Taiwan Relations Act, emphasized that ensuring Taiwan’s defense is crucial for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Despite China’s repeated objections, the United States has maintained that its arms sales to Taiwan are guided by the Taiwan Relations Act and other US laws, not by Beijing’s pressure.
“We will continue to work with industry to support Taiwan’s self-defense in line with our long-standing policies,” a US State Department spokesperson said, underscoring that Washington’s “One China” policy has not changed but is based on peaceful resolution.
Adding to the tensions, China recently announced sanctions against nine US firms in retaliation for Washington’s defense support to Taiwan, including a USD 228 million package of spare parts for Taiwan’s air force. China has stressed that US military sales undermine China’s sovereignty, issuing a warning of “strong measures” to defend its territorial integrity.
However, Taiwan has continued to resist China’s aggressive posture. Its democratic government, supported by defense ties with the US, has been preparing to deter a Chinese invasion, a scenario that USTBC President Rupert Hammond-Chambers highlighted at the conference. “This is the most important annual gathering on US-Taiwan defense relations,” Hammond-Chambers said, underscoring the significance of continued US support.
The recent phishing cyberattack targeting the USTBC underscores the lengths to which malicious actors, possibly aligned with China, are willing to go to disrupt ties between the US and Taiwan. While China has never ruled Taiwan, it continues to place military and economic pressure, sending warplanes near Taiwan’s airspace in an attempt to intimidate the island into submission. Despite these provocations, Taiwan’s resolve remains firm, backed by US support that ensures Taiwan can continue defending its autonomy against an increasingly hostile neighbor.
Doubts Revealed
US -: The US stands for the United States of America, a country in North America.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China that has its own government but China claims it as part of its territory.
China -: China is a large country in Asia, known for its big population and strong economy.
Defense -: Defense means protecting a country from attacks or threats.
Military equipment -: Military equipment includes things like weapons, tanks, and planes used by soldiers.
US-Taiwan Defence Industry Conference -: This is a meeting where people from the US and Taiwan talk about how to work together on defense and military matters.
Philadelphia -: Philadelphia is a big city in the United States, located in the state of Pennsylvania.
Sanctions -: Sanctions are penalties or restrictions one country puts on another to try to change its behavior.
Taiwan Relations Act -: This is a law passed by the US to help protect Taiwan and support its defense.
Self-defense -: Self-defense means protecting oneself from harm or danger.
