Taiwan in the US-China Strategic Contestation
Keywords:
Geopolitical environment, US-China rivalry, Strategic pivot, multipolar world orderAbstract
Taiwan has been a subject of considerable attention from the media and scholarly research for many years. Recently, trade and investment between China and Taiwan have fluctuated within the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape. While the relations between Taipei and the US have been strengthening economically, militarily, and diplomatically. The growing ties between Taipei and Washington are closely monitored by Beijing, raising concerns about potential long-term implications. Given the escalating strategic competition between the US and China, Taiwan holds a significant position. In line with this, Taiwan is widely viewed as a geopolitical pivot with the potential to disrupt the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 explicitly underscores the importance of the US commitment to Taiwan in maintaining regional power equilibrium. This paper explores Taiwan's role/positioning; impact and implications in the power dynamics between the US and China and the region at large. Drawing from realist theory and secondary data, the findings suggest that Taiwan is a pivotal player rather than a mere pawn in the geopolitical tensions between these major powers. Overt reactions from either China or the US to secure this strategic pivot could lead to increased insecurity and instability within the region and potentially beyond. Therefore, this article suggests that constructive engagement among the US, China, and Taiwan to establish a framework for regional stability.References
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