The U.S. State Department announced on October 25 a $2 billion arms sale package to the Taiwan region, marking a significant escalation in tensions with the Chinese mainland. The package, which for the first time includes surface-to-air missile systems and radar, has prompted strong protests from Beijing.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it would “take resolute countermeasures and take all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.” The announcement comes at a sensitive time, as the new leader of the Taiwan region, Lai Ching-te, is actively seeking to amplify Taiwan’s international presence.
Although Lai avoids openly calling for independence—a move that could precipitate military conflict—he is pursuing policies that lessen the Taiwan region’s ties with the Chinese mainland. According to Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority led by Lai came to power, it has attempted to “rely on the United States to seek independence” and “seek independence by military means,” escalating cross-strait confrontation.
The DPP authority’s moves have been bolstered by support from the anti-China faction in Washington, which continues to use Taiwan as a pawn in its strategy to counter China’s rise. With China’s emergence as a major economic and political power in recent decades, the “Taiwan card” has become increasingly significant as the United States designates China as its “major rival.”
While the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden officially maintains the longstanding policy stemming from the 1970s—acknowledging that Taiwan is part of China and not supporting Taiwan independence—recent actions such as the $2 billion defense package suggest a contradictory approach. These measures raise questions about the sincerity of the U.S.’s commitment to peaceful relations and the one-China principle.
To ease escalating tensions, it is crucial for the United States to align its actions with its stated policies. Concrete steps toward de-escalation and adherence to the one-China principle are necessary to foster stability in the region. Mere rhetoric or “sweet words” will not suffice to prove peaceful intentions; tangible actions are required to rebuild trust and ensure peace across the Taiwan Strait.
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U.S. needs more than 'sweet words' to prove its peaceful intentions
cgtn.com
