I am very conflicted by this announcement. Taiwan is an important unofficial partner, a major economic and security partner, making robust engagement a vital US national interest.
https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1348014204066934785
@usasiapacific and #AIT team has done incredible work strengthening US-Taiwan engagement over the last four years, and has much to show for its efforts.
They accomplished so much, despite the lack of diplomatic recognition and restrictions on engagement. BZ
They accomplished so much, despite the lack of diplomatic recognition and restrictions on engagement. BZ
Arbitrary restrictions on engagement harm US interests and belittle our valued Taiwan friends, at no gain to either, and potential harm to both.
China should not be the deciding factor in determining interests and achieving US objectives. China does not take foreign preferences into account when it makes policy that affects US interests. Neither China, nor the US can or should veto the other's policies.
I think removing arbitrary restrictions is the right approach, but this is not the right time.
A blanket statement such as this, abrogating all of the guidance in place for years, without articulating what framework will replace it simply amplifies perceived chaos in DC.
A blanket statement such as this, abrogating all of the guidance in place for years, without articulating what framework will replace it simply amplifies perceived chaos in DC.
I don't know if the decision took into account the potential negative impacts on Taiwan, whether @iingwen was consulted, and whether Taiwan is prepared for the pressure and retaliation that Beijing might impose on them. DC will have to back Taipei up to maintain credibility.
It would have been more meaningful to have comprehensively reformed US engagement policy to reflect US values and interests, then implement those practices for years, establishing new, positive norms benefitting both the US and Taiwan, while maintaining X-strait stability.
It is a good thing badly done, four years too late.
A move that can be reversed with little effort in a few weeks, incentivizing Beijing to apply pressure and coercion on the new Administration, effectively inviting them to interfere in US policy-making.
A move that can be reversed with little effort in a few weeks, incentivizing Beijing to apply pressure and coercion on the new Administration, effectively inviting them to interfere in US policy-making.
The Biden Administration has the opportunity to re-look Taiwan engagement practices and should do that to suit US interests.
The Biden Admin must prioritize maximizing the benefits that US-Taiwan relations can bring, not minimizing the objections and threats that China makes.
The Biden Admin must prioritize maximizing the benefits that US-Taiwan relations can bring, not minimizing the objections and threats that China makes.
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