What approach do Harris and Trump have on the Taiwan issue?
Taiwan has become a key flashpoint in the recent geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. Beijing insists that Taiwan is an “internal” issue and has urged foreign governments not to interfere. Chinese officials have repeatedly criticized Washington for supporting the island, concluding defense contracts, and sending weapons to it.
While the United States maintains informal relations with Taiwan and sends weapons to the island, tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan have been high because, as noted, Beijing considers the island part of its territory and considers any Western intervention in the issue to be a “violation of its sovereignty.”
Taiwan is geographically located in a region that is a vital route for global shipping and international trade. In addition, Taiwan plays a key role in the global supply chain for electronics and computer chips. Given China’s expanding influence in the region and the United States’ emphasis on maintaining security and freedom of navigation, Taiwan has become a strategic point in the geopolitical competition between the United States and China.