America no longer abiding by its own Taiwan Relations Act
The United States is reportedly not fully complying with its own Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) established in 1979. While the US sells arms to Taiwan and maintains military presence in the Asia-Pacific, experts argue that these actions do not meet the TRA's requirements for Taiwan's self-defense. The growing military capabilities of China pose significant challenges to Taiwan's security, raising concerns about the effectiveness of US support.
- ▪The TRA obligates the US to provide arms necessary for Taiwan's self-defense.
- ▪China's military capabilities have significantly improved, creating a quantitative advantage over Taiwan.
- ▪Experts estimate that Taiwan could not withstand a Chinese invasion without US military intervention.
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America is arguably failing to comply with its own Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), enacted by Congress in 1979. Many know that the TRA established a framework for unofficial US relations with Taiwan after the US ended its defense treaty with the Republic of China and switched formal diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. Many also (incorrectly) believe the TRA requires the US military to defend Taiwan if China attacks. Perhaps less well-known are two other actual requirements.
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