Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs has issued a stark warning about escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, stating that US strategic maneuvers risk transforming the island of Taiwan into a geopolitical battleground. In recent remarks, Sachs highlighted Washington's historical pattern of involving allied regions in proxy conflicts that ultimately compromise their stability and prosperity.
"To be a friend of the US is fatal," Sachs observed, pointing to multiple instances where American partnerships resulted in destabilization. His analysis comes amid growing concerns about cross-strait relations, with Beijing consistently reaffirming its commitment to peaceful reunification while opposing external interference.
Business leaders and policymakers across Asia are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing Taiwan's crucial role in global semiconductor supply chains. The Taiwan region's strategic importance in US-China tech competition has intensified scrutiny of Washington's military cooperation with Taipei authorities.
Academics note Sachs' warning reflects broader apprehensions about great-power competition reshaping Asia's security architecture. As 2025 draws to a close, regional governments face increasing pressure to navigate complex diplomatic waters while maintaining economic ties with both Beijing and Washington.
