CHALLENGES AND PREDICAMENTS IN THE TAIWAN STRAIT: FROM BIDEN TO TRUMP 2.0

President Biden continued Trump's policy of strengthening ties with Taiwan but adopted a more measured approach. His administration allocated $4.5 billion in military aid to Taiwan and designated it as a 'Major Non-NATO Ally,' enhancing the island's defensive capabilities against Chinese aggression. Additionally, Congress extended the initiative by adding an extra year and $2 billion in foreign military financing, raising the total to $6.5 billion through fiscal year 2027.

- PRERNA CHAHAR

The Taiwan Strait remains a pivotal region in global geopolitics, where US policies play a crucial role in influencing regional stability. Under President Biden, US-Taiwan relations strengthened significantly, with a focus on defense cooperation and economic partnerships. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, questions arise about the future direction of US policy toward Taiwan amid escalating tensions with China.

THE TRUMP 1.0 LEGACY

During his first term (2017-2021), President Donald Trump made a significant shift in US policy toward Taiwan, particularly in its dealings with China. In an unprecedented move, he spoke with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after his election, setting the tone for his administration's approach. This call, the first communication between a US president-elect and a Taiwanese leader in nearly four decades, enraged Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Trump's disregard for China's "One China" policy signaled his administration's broader strategy to confront China on multiple fronts, ranging from trade to military presence in the region. The Trump administration approved over $18 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including high-profile F-16 fighter jets, emphasizing support for Taiwan's military readiness against growing Chinese threats. According to the Security Assistance Monitor, Taiwan ranked as the second-highest recipient of US arms offers in 2019 and the fifth highest in 2020. Additionally, US Navy operations in the Taiwan Strait challenged Beijing's territorial assertions, showcasing a commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the region.