CNAS Releases New Policy Brief on U.S.-Taiwan Relations

President Obama’s recent visit to Beijing highlighted several issues of mutual interest and concern for the U.S.-China relationship, and the fact that Taiwan was not a major issue of contention highlights the rapidly changing dynamics of the cross-Strait environment. The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) released a policy brief, Taiwan’s Gamble: The Cross-Strait Rapprochement and its Implications for U.S. Policy, which details the risks and rewards associated with this evolving cross-Strait environment and lays out several policy recommendations for the United States.  

Download the full policy brief here.

In Taiwan’s Gamble, Former CNAS Fellow Abraham Denmark and Senior Fellow Richard Fontaine recommend American policymakers adjust U.S. policy to match current and future realities of the China-Taiwan relationship, including expanding trade relations with Taiwan, continuing arm sales, and planning high-level visits to express political support.
 
"While the U.S.-China relationship may be as significant as any other, Taiwan represents an important and highly visible test of America’s commitment to its democratic friends around the world,” write the authors. “Taipei’s new strategy, though risky, has the potential to change the dynamics of the cross-Strait relationship and inaugurate a new era of stability and prosperity in both China and Taiwan. The United States should seize the unique opportunity to contribute to the rapprochement’s success.”
 
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