Opinion | US must show China its strategic ambiguity on Taiwan is backed by serious deterrent

Tensions within East Asia have risen to dangerous levels in recent months, starting with Hong Kong’s national security law ending its autonomous status within China, and including a deadly confrontation between Chinese and Indian troops in the Himalayan mountains, with both sides signalling willingness to escalate the crisis, even if it leads to war.

However, it is China’s escalating threats towards Taiwan that have many fearing a war with the United States. China’s state media have issued dire warnings that China is prepared to invade the island and even threatened the life of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen should she violate China’s Anti-Secession Law.

Most recently, China responded to an American government delegation to Taiwan by flying dozens of air force bomber and fighter sorties across the sensitive median line that has long separated Taiwan from the mainland.

In response, Richard Haas, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, argues that the US should respond to China’s provocations by ending its decades-long policy of “strategic ambiguity”, and announce its willingness to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack. The US would, however, remain committed to the one-China policy and oppose Taiwanese secession.