I'm a huge Max Hastings fan so ☹️ to see this. A number of points I have w his piece but the bottom line is this: The *WORST* US policy is half-pregnancy, which keeps our cred attach to Taiwan but doesn't resource ability to defend it. This is most dangerous & damaging if war. 1/
https://twitter.com/DavidMSacks1/status/1371126577875017732
If Taiwan isn't worth it &/or too costly/risky to defend, we should ensure our cred isn't attached - which it now is. But if we leave this vulnerable part of our perimeter ill-defended, China has *even more of an incentive* to challenge it - beyond just revanchism. 2/
If Hastings & Blackwill/Zelikow think that, then the right policy for them should be to *abandon* Taiwan. Deftly, diplomatically, etc. but still to extricate our cred from its fate. Not ambiguity. That wld minimize the damage to our cred in Asia. 3/
Couple other thoughts: Hastings' alleges Taiwan policy example of "recurring weakness of US foreign policy to determine courses for other nations, often w/little-no consultation w allies." Actually big problem here is US *not pressing* Taiwan & Japan to shoulder burden. 4/
US needs to operate w allies & Taiwan but needs to press them *very hard* to prepare for imminent Chinese challenge to Taiwan. 5/
Hastings say we should consider "possible validity of Chinese claims." Huh? I mean, they don't have "valid claim" to violently subordinate 20 million people on Taiwan who don't want to live under the CCP. 6/
US One China Policy doesn't include position on ultimate status of Taiwan. US policy has been that that's for the people on both sides to work out - *peacefully*. 7/
As I mentioned earlier, I have tremendous regard for Hasting's work. But to be frank this piece gives off the distinct impression of being written a *long* way away. Countries in Asia recognize clearly Taiwan's fall would be a disaster: reuters.com/article/us-jap…. 8/
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