Global Security Briefing Taiwan's Strategic Balancing Act Amid US-China Tensions
Oct 15, 2025
Dr. Philip Shetler-Jones, a Senior Research Fellow for Indo-Pacific Security at RUSI, explores Taiwan's precarious position amid escalating US-China tensions. He delves into China's shift towards grey-zone tactics and the implications of US policy under Trump. The discussion emphasizes the significance of Taiwan's societal resilience and defense reforms, alongside complexities in domestic politics that affect implementation. Additionally, they address the emerging Taiwan-Japan coast guard collaboration and how Taiwan's situation parallels Ukraine's geopolitical struggles.
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Resilience As Deterrence
- Taiwan focuses on societal resilience as central to defense reform to deter easy seizure.
- Resilience signals to China that an invasion would not be an easy or quick victory.
US Visibility Has Been Curtailed
- New US policy limits serving officials from attending international think-tank events, reducing visible official engagement.
- Taiwan invited MAGA-linked speakers to reassure US support amid perceived Washington uncertainty.
Institutional Momentum Overrules Rhetoric
- Reported US National Defence Strategy may rhetorically shift focus to the Western Hemisphere, but defence institutions likely maintain Indo-Pacific work.
- Practitioners expect 'business as usual' despite possible cosmetic priority changes.