In a recent interview on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris articulated her position on maintaining the ‘One China’ principle while also supporting Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. When questioned about whether she would deploy the U.S. military to defend Taiwan in the event of an aggression from Beijing, Harris refrained from committing to any specific military action. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the ‘One China’ policy, which recognizes only one Chinese state, but insisted that it is essential to support Taiwan in its ability to defend itself and ensure the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. This stance underscores the delicate balance the U.S. aims to navigate amid growing tensions between Taiwan and China, where Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.
Historically, the U.S. shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to mainland China in 1979. However, it maintains robust informal relations with Taiwan, including arms sales and facilitating Taiwan’s participation in international events. Beijing views these actions as violations of the ‘One China’ principle and aggravations that could escalate tensions. The Chinese government openly advocates for peaceful reunification with Taiwan but does not rule out the use of military force should Taiwan push for formal independence. The rivalry between the U.S. and China has become increasingly strategic, complicated by significant trade ties that add layers of economic interdependence along with geopolitical frictions.
In her statements, Harris made clear that the U.S. does not seek conflict with China, echoing sentiments that have characterized the Biden administration’s approach toward Chinese relations. She stressed that U.S. policy should focus on protecting American interests rather than a complete economic decoupling from China. Her remarks aimed to clarify that the strategy involves “de-risking” rather than severing economic ties. Harris’s emphasis on leadership in establishing international norms reveals an underlying belief that the U.S. should actively influence the terms of global engagement rather than simply react to Chinese initiatives.
Despite her attempts to articulate a clear position, media critiques have noted that Harris’s views on China, especially in relation to President Biden’s administration, appear to lack substantial differentiation. As she seeks to establish herself as the Democratic presidential candidate, Harris faces scrutiny on how her policies might diverge from Biden’s, particularly regarding military commitments in the context of Taiwan. Notably, Biden has committed to defending Taiwan militarily in case of an attack, diverging from the “strategic ambiguity” that previous U.S. administrations have adopted. This ambiguity aimed to create a deterrent effect on both Beijing and Taipei, influencing their respective calculations and decisions.
Furthermore, Harris’s comments reflect a growing recognition within U.S. politics that Taiwan plays a crucial role in U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan’s geopolitical position and robust democratic governance make it a pivotal ally for the U.S. amid increasing authoritarian pressures from Beijing. Relations with Taiwan are not only symbolic; they involve tangible military cooperation, technology transfer, and trade, all of which are essential for maintaining regional security dynamics. As tensions escalate, the U.S. aims to strengthen Taiwan’s military capabilities while balancing its broader strategic objectives, including maintaining peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s statements underscore the U.S.’s complex relationship with both China and Taiwan. While reasserting fidelity to the ‘One China’ policy, she emphasizes the critical need to support Taiwan’s ability to defend itself in an increasingly volatile environment. The path forward appears to involve careful navigation of military commitments, trade dynamics, and diplomatic relations in pursuit of a stable and peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue, all while ensuring the U.S.’s strategic interests are protected. The discourse surrounding Taiwan in U.S. politics is likely to intensify as the geopolitical landscape shifts and as she prepares for the upcoming presidential election.
