#147: Taiwan's Ally or Wildcard? (Trump in Asia #4)
The United States’ approach to Taiwan has long been defined by ‘strategic ambiguity’. While it has never directly challenged China’s claim over the island, the U.S. has also never shied away from selling weapons to Taipei or making use of the Taiwan Strait for naval exercises.
The Trump administration has arguably provided more tangible and symbolic support for Taiwan than any previous U.S. presidency - but how much of that is related to China? Is Taiwan just a pawn in a diplomatic chess game between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, and what does the United States prioritise in the relationship?
A live recording of the Asia Rising podcast via zoom.
Guest: Natasha Kassam (Research Fellow, Diplomacy and Public Opinion Program, Lowy Institute)
Recorded 21st July 2020.