WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering opposition to any attempts to change Taiwan’s status through force or coercion.
This statement comes at a crucial time as concerns about China’s military threat to the democratic island continue to grow, and there are worries that Taiwan may be overlooked as the U.S. looks to make deals with Beijing.
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio emphasized the importance of having a strong U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific region to prevent any potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. He stated that the U.S. has a longstanding position on Taiwan and will not abandon it, which is to oppose any forced or coerced changes in its status.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked if he would ensure that China would never take Taiwan by force during his presidency. While he did not directly answer the question, he indicated that he does not want to see a war in the Taiwan Strait under his watch and that he has a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Rubio’s remarks on Wednesday are in line with the joint statement issued by the U.S. and Japan on February 7th, where President Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The statement also stated that both countries oppose any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion.
The U.S. has been urging its allies to increase their defense capabilities, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The potential end of the war in Ukraine is one factor that could have an impact on Taiwan and the U.S. presence in the region, although opinions are divided on this matter.
Some analysts believe that the end of the conflict in Ukraine would allow the U.S. to redirect its resources towards countering China. On the other hand, others argue that the U.S. will remain concerned about the possibility of a resumption of fighting or new Russian attacks against NATO allies.
Retired U.S. Navy captain and former director of intelligence and information operations for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, James Fanell, believes that one key area that needs attention is naval shipbuilding and restoring the size and capabilities of the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific. He also stated that this would serve as a strong reminder to U.S. allies in the region to increase their own defense spending.
Former U.S. military officials who have recently visited Taiwan have reported that the island is deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine. They have also noted that the idea of being abandoned by the U.S. is causing fear and worry among the Taiwanese people. While government officials are refraining from making public statements, think tankers, journalists, and businesspeople in Taiwan are extremely worried.
Amid Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, Taiwan has shown solidarity with the country. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has supported U.S. efforts to assist Kyiv, including providing defense equipment. DPP leaders have also drawn parallels between the situations in Ukraine and Taiwan, highlighting the risks posed by authoritarian governments’ unchecked aggression.
China’s ruling Chinese Communist Party has always claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-ruled democracy under its control. Just this week, on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing and Moscow reaffirmed their “no-limits” partnership.
Critics, including Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), have expressed skepticism about the DPP’s strategy of relying on the U.S. to resist China.
In a diplomatic event on Wednesday, senior U.S. officials reassured their allies in the Indo-Pacific region. They stated that the U.S.’s “America First” policy does not mean “America alone” in foreign affairs, and the country remains committed to engaging with its allies in the region. The officials also emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to the security and sovereignty of nations in the Indo-Pacific.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers stated that through robust dialogue and collaboration, the U.S. can address shared priorities and ensure a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. He also reiterated that the Trump administration will continue to work closely with its allies to achieve this goal.
In conclusion, the U.S. remains steadfast in its support for Taiwan and its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the
