As the world has entered a period of global instability, the prospect of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is not only a possibility but a very close reality. China has repeatedly recited its rhetoric that Taiwan is a part of China and has made it clear that it aims for a reunification of what China says is its territory.
In the face of an almost inevitable conflict, the question arises, will the US directly support its strategic ally in the region? US President Joe Biden when recently asked whether or not US troops would defend Taiwan, he replied ” Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack”. However shortly after this statement by the President, national security advisor Jake Sullivan stated in a press conference that Biden’s remarks on the matter wasn’t to be taken as policy change, adhering to the agreement of the one China policy.
Although a clear competitive rivalry has been steadily growing for decades between China and the US, its refutable to say that these two economic and military powerhouses don’t share a symbiosis in terms of trade, industry and technology sectors. It would be consequential for either country to openly engage in a full fledged military conflict, where the ramifications would be catastrophic on a global scale.
This makes it unlikely that the US would directly support Taiwan in such a scenario, however heavy US military and economic assistance has been given to Taiwan for decades to bolster them against China’s emergence as a major threat to US dominance in the region. Taiwan being a key ally may not be enough for the US to justify a costly defense in the event of a Chinese invasion.
