U.S. Support of Taiwan: The Way Forward

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed the Taiwan Relations Act, which requires the U.S. to assist the island nation with equipment and services necessary for its defense. The Obama years were characterized by intermittent and infrequent security assistance to Taiwan. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has announced plans for new arms sales to Taiwan and signed legislation encouraging bilateral official meetings, underscoring U.S. support for a strategically important democratic ally in the Western Pacific. On June 7, Hudson Institute hosted a discussion examining growing hostility towards Taiwan, Beijing’s efforts to isolate its neighbor, and the ongoing arms build-up in the region. Conference participants also examined the current administration’s record of support for Taiwan and offer practical ideas about how best to strengthen U.S. assistance to Taiwan. Panelists included Hudson senior fellows Seth Cropsey and Arthur Herman, the Project 2049 Institute’s Ian Easton, and the Center for a N