Recent Changes in Taiwan’s Defense Policy and Taiwan-USA Relations

In spite of John Mearsheimer (and others)’s dire prediction, Taiwan still believes that, rather than having to negotiate like Hong Kong a level of autonomy acceptable to Beijing, it can remain de facto independent as long as it is able to keep a credible conventional deterrence and a strong security relationship with Washington. The recent changes in Taiwan’s defense policy as well as in Taiwan-USA relations tend to confirm that belief and willingness. However, the island is facing growing security challenges that will not be easy to fix. And overcoming these challenges will depend much more upon the Taiwanese’s resolve than the USA’s intention to remain committed to the island’s security.