To Protect Taiwan, US Security Strategy Expects Much from Indo-Pacific Allies

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With a possible emergency originating from China in mind, the Trump administration recently released its new National Security Strategy (NSS). It declares, "Deterring a conflict over Taiwan, ideally by preserving military overmatch, is a priority."

It also emphatically states: "The United States does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait."

The strategy is highly significant as it offers the first clear indication of President Donald Trump's stance regarding Taiwan since the advent of his second administration in January. Its contents are welcome as a contributing force for peace and stability for Japan and the region as a whole.

Significance of the Region

The NSS describes the Indo-Pacific as "among the next century's key economic and geopolitical battlegrounds," noting that China is pursuing hegemony throughout the region. Furthermore, it argues that to ensure the region's prosperity, the US needs to "successfully compete" there.

Additionally, the report also analyzes the current situation in the South China Sea. As it notes, approximately one-third of the world's annual maritime transport passes through those waters.

Regarding the importance of Taiwan, the NSS cites the island's advantages in the semiconductor sector. However, it also describes Taiwan's location in the First Island Chain and proximity to the two "distinct" Northeast and Southeast theaters in Asia.

land purchase — *Map of China's aggressive claims in around Taiwan and in the East China Sea*

Clarifying Trump's Stance

Concerns have been voiced about President Trump's stance on the Taiwan issue, as he seemed determined to avoid provoking China. Nevertheless, the NSS suggests the possibility of US military involvement in a Taiwan emergency. Meanwhile, it calls for increasing the regional capacity to deter Chinese aggression while striving to maintain peace.

The First Island Chain stretches from Kyushu in Japan to the South China Sea. It includes Okinawa, Japan's Nansei islands, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Accordingly, the NSS states, "We will build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain."

However, it admits that the US will not be able to do so on its own. Consequently, it encourages allies and partners ー such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia ー to increase defense spending. They, too, need to acquire new capabilities to deter aggression.

Takeaways for Japan

Although the US still boasts the world's largest gross domestic product and military, its relative national power is declining. Meanwhile, the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming harsher. It is easy to understand that the NSS's concerns are valid. Moreover, there is an urgent need for Japan to pursue improvements to its deterrent capabilities against China. That includes further increasing defense spending.

Importantly, the Takaichi administration must also proactively educate the Japanese public about the severe security environment. That way, it will gain public understanding of the need to increase defense spending to maintain peace.

Disappointments in the Report

Concerning Russia, the report unfortunately argues for the reestablishment of "strategic stability with Russia." Leaving Russia's invasion of Ukraine unchallenged could lead to a similar crisis in East Asia.

The failure to even mention North Korea is also concerning. The policy of not allowing Pyongyang to possess nuclear and missile capabilities should have been explicitly stated.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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