The United States (US)-Taiwan Strategic Partnership
Saiful Mustakim Ismail1, Noraini Zulkifli1*, Mohammad Ikhram Mohammad Ridzuan2
1 Department of Strategic Studies, Faculty of Management and Strategic Studies, National Defence University of Malaysia
2 Centre for General Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University
*Corresponding Author: [email protected]
Accepted: 15 May 2021 | Published: 1 June 2021
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Abstract: Taiwan and US relations are unique and special. Bounded with China or well known as People Republic of China (PRC), the relations between two countries become a thorn in the flesh with sometimes can trigger military tensions in the region. Utilizing the qualitative approach, this research sought the relationship through strategic partnerships between the US and Taiwan. Besides to understand how the strategic partnership kind of relationship effects both countries, it is also to seek the perspective of US on it. The questions might arise that what are the benefits that the US looking at and until what extent it can go without disturbing and threats. The research findings are 1) the strategic partnership between Taiwan- US is very important to both countries due to protect their own national interest, 2) Partnership of Taiwan – US also can strengthen that alliance to face China in the emergency time and 3) Besides the politics, Taiwan’s which have an advanced in economy and society undoubtedly contribute to the global efforts to address a range of challenges internationally.
Keywords: China, Diplomatic Relations, Taiwan, United States, Strategic Partnership
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1. Introduction
Taiwan is always a sensitive issue for China and can provoke conflict if not handle with care and proper manner (Albert 2021). It is very complicated relations on with every action taken by the Taiwan administrations will always be monitor and observe closely by US. Normal diplomatic ties are not possible thus required some sort of technique or tool in order to still keep in touch with the island without jeopardizing the relationship with mainland China (Chan 2008). One of the means used by the US is through partnership and in term of Taiwan it is a strategic partnership. Copper (1996) describe that the diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan can be tracked down after the nationalist Kuomintang Party (KMT) establish the government in the island. After the Japan surrender in 1945, the Taiwan island was part of China under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek which was the KMT Party leader and got the support from the US. Before the end of the war, the island was governed under the Japanese empire and famously known as Formosa. After the KMT fled to the Taiwan island and establish the state in 1949, it was a diplomatic relationship ties between both countries until 1978 and well recognized as the country to country relationship. The US establishment of the diplomatic relations with China in 1979 marks the end of formal diplomatic tie with Taiwan and causes Taiwan to stand without a recognition as a country. This also put Taiwan in danger for all aspect especially militarily, politically and economically.
Although the US disband the direct relationship with Taiwan in order to please China, it was not totally abandoned it. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) 1979 was endorsed by US Congress
to ensure that the relations continue although China not to favor it. The continuations tie between the two countries were not in the same manner as the country to country but it still maintains the cooperation and understandings (Bosco 2021). Although no specific identifications to call the name of the relationships, the character of it is there. Elements and character of strategic partnership will be explored more to deeply digging in about these special relations and connections. Mainly areas to be the focus in the strategic partnership perspective is economic security, defense and security, and economy and trading. Economy security is one of the vital factors for the survival and continuance of Taiwan. Without the security in the economy, Taiwan will not probably survive against the consistent threats from communist China. An economy security will provide Taiwan with long-standing endurance nation without outside assistance and support. Economy security can ensure the stability and steadiness of the island to empower other areas like defense, security, economy, politics and society (Baylis et al 2014). Defense and security are others main area that subjects to be discussed under the strategic partnership relations between Taiwan and US. Threats and continuous provocations by long-standing communist enemy required strong and formidable defense forces. It is not the only defense to looking at but also the security of the island. Constantly having traditional threats does not eliminate nontraditional threats. Although the danger of being attacked by the terrorist on the island something like not possible, it does not mean the Taiwan security can simply be ignored it or make it for granted. This is how to look at the perspective of the strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan. Economy and trading consider one of the significant factors to evaluate about the strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan. Taiwan economy raising and its trading understanding with the outside world is important to make sure that the island can survive and maintain its population’s requirements. It is to analyze that both countries can benefit more towards strategic partnership although have a constraint in the direct relationship.
2. Literature Review
There has been a fair amount of literature regarding the relations between Taiwan and US through the concept of strategic partnership. Gajauskaite (2013) mention that the concept of a strategic partnership in the post-Cold War is reflected by neo-realism assume as fact on the structure of the international system. The states are sovereign international actors which belong to a hierarchical category of power. It operates under the right opportunities and constraints in order to minimize action costs and maximize the benefits. The primary strategic goal is national security and when seeking the implementation of national interests, the concept of a strategic partnership reflected the use of national power in cooperation with other countries. According to Parameswaran (2014), there are four elements of understanding strategic partnership. Firstly, strategic partnerships involving much lower level and less binding commitment compare to the tighter ones like alliances and considers as a loose form of alignment. Secondly, strategic partnerships are a structured framework of collaboration between parties and it is different from normal diplomatic exchanges on which have the structure of sustained interactions by multiple institutionalizations at the intergovernmental level. Thirdly, the purpose of strategic partnerships is to address familiar challenges and grab opportunities by joint corporations rather than countering a country or group. Strategic partnerships, by contrast, are primarily instruments for countries to pursue opportunities for selective engagement with as many partners as possible without alienating others. Consequently, strategic partnerships can be understood as primarily goal-driven rather than threat-driven arrangements. This feature is especially appealing for some emerging powers because they can sign partnerships with both China and the United States without alienating the other. Lastly, strategic partnerships involving collaboration in several areas and multidimensional in nature. Contrast to alliances
which defined as agreements mainly focused on security or military cooperation. Regarding Gentimir (2015), the term partnership can be described first as the potential for association or coordination of activities in a certain form for the whole to be stronger than the parts. Secondly, the partnership implies both the conceiving and the implementation of one or more strategies, project series or activities, even though the parts can be equally or differently involved in various stages of the projects. With this notation, it is the partnership that implies the cooperation process which supposes common behaviour or activities.
In the dimension of economic relations, Wu (2004) describe that upon the proposition and pressure from the US aid program in the late 1950s, the import policy was replaced by export expansion policy. The currency was devalued to be closer to the equilibrium while the of level multiple exchange rate systems was dismantled. This is how the US support the economic survival of Taiwan during the early years of the nations. The interdependence to the US very vital and significantly saves the long-term Taiwan economy although the diplomatic relations had been cut off due to TRA 1979. It was then continuing with the other form of economic ties under the subject of strategic partnership.
Montaperto (2004) in the analysis of strategic defense dimension relations between US and Taiwan during President Chen Shui-bian (2000 – 2008) early administration have to describe it as more of a strategic liability than a strategic asset for the US. Regarding Montaperto, Taiwan has lost most if not all its value to the US due to President Chen movement of pro- independence on which angered China. US policy towards China during the era of the Bush administration, not change which to engage directly with Beijing and to develop broad and deep networking in economic, politic and military relationships.
Security and economy is a strong reason the US strengthen its position towards Taiwan.
Bergsten, Freeman & Lardy (2008) justify that the US remains the essential guarantor of East Asian security and balance of power through its military presence and alliances with Taiwan under its radar through partnership. Besides that, economic achievements are another reason why the US continues and maintain its care of Taiwan. Bush (2016) in his articles “The United States Security Partnership with Taiwan” did mention that the reason for the security partnership between the US and Taiwan is due to China policy towards Taiwan. Although the Taiwan Relations Act 1979 was imposed, the significant element after the act regarding the US and Taiwan security partnership was the sales of advanced military equipment by the US.
Stapleton, Shelley, Chow, & Hickey (2017) explained about the security and economic prospect between two countries. In the discussion about Taiwan security, its national security depends upon three elements which are military ties with the United States, stable relations with the PRC and a formidable military. This showed that the Taiwan Relations Act 1979 not bounded the US to support Taiwan in terms of its defence and security aspect. The discussion in economic element between US and Taiwan, further economic integration between two countries through trade and investment not only enhance economic and trade growth but also contribute to regional stability. It is vital to US economic and strategic interest in the North East Asia region.
Dennis (1999) mention that the US while forging a constructive strategic partnership with China have in same time keeping up solid connections with Taiwan without a doubt keep on representing a noteworthy test to the US. The US always tried to ensure that their relations with China in a courteous manner while at the same time continuously support the strategic partnership with Taiwan. Dittmer (2005) in his article “Bush, China, Taiwan: A Triangular Analysis” mention that US strategy towards the China-Taiwan issue is a standout amongst the
most delicate, conceivably unpredictable and persistently insoluble issues that has tormented the US since World War 2. China is always becoming the main factor in relations between the US and Taiwan. US Department of Defense (2015) inside the Annual Report to Congress did mention that China’s military posture towards Taiwan does not significantly changing.
According to the report, since the re-election of China President Ma Ying-jeou in 2012, the China Armed Forces or well known as People Liberation Army (PLA) has improved the military capabilities specifically to Taiwan including an attempt for an invasion. This main threat from China military aggression always undermine and shadow the strategic partnership between Taiwan and the US.
Internal or domestic factors have also contributed and affecting the strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan. According to Niou (1996), China has always been trying to influence Taiwan’s domestic politics either by encouraging the economic integration in order to persuade for unification or frightening by use of force to prevent the island for calling the independence. The indication mainly comes from political party especially pro-independence group leading by DPP and pro-unification as one China policy lead by KMT Party which always become a subject to China interference informally to Taiwan domestic politics. These internal politics factors had been deeply monitoring by the US in order to maintain its relations with China and continuously strategic partnership with Taiwan. Regarding Ma (2001), China observes that the TRA 1979 is the only an effort by the US to strengthen its relations towards Taiwan. The change only in term of diplomatic relations to the strategic partnership but the content of relations is still the same. TRA 1979 is the main obstacle to China objective of one country reunification (One China Policy) and normal relations with the US. The strategic partnership also affected the diplomatic ties between the US and China. Dumbaugh (2009) have described that Taiwan’s own political circumstances make it complicated for US policymakers. It changed dramatically since TRA 1979 which under the administration of President Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist Party, Taiwan’s political choices and decisions were firmly closed with the US interests and conditionally to a great extent on US assistance. The political reforms, especially during early decade of 21st century, have made Taiwan politics more democratic, nationalistic, fluid and harder to predict.
Glaser (2013) mention that the Taiwan policy toward mainland China is vital and critical although some domestic issues such as the gap between rich and poor are also salient and important to the voters for the presidential election in the island. Relations with the United States, which provides the backbone of Taiwan security also be a topic of discussion during the campaign season. These domestic factors prove to provide a significant impact on how the strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan take place. Xie (2014) did mention that since the US and China had decided to establish the diplomatic relations, the relationship between the US and Taiwan has become subordinate to the US-China relations. The US has seriously considered its relations with China when they plan to readjust its policy towards Taiwan.
Although the US-China diplomatic relationships based on the TRA 1979, the strategic partnership between US-Taiwan still not make China comfortable. Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report (2014) explained that the US is most welcomed the resumption made on the dialogue between China and Taiwan on which brought significantly close engagement in economic ties between China and Taiwan. It also reduces of tension and these circumstances managed the US strategy chances to reinforce the US-Taiwan relationship. The implication of US-Taiwan strategic partnership not only to the partnership between the two states but also US foreign policy makers. Taiwan new generation perception and attitudes toward China is one of the internal considerations when discussing the strategic partnership between Taiwan and US.
Liu & Li (2017) in their study about these attitudes of new generations have found out that
seemed antagonistic to China and conservative about further trade talks. The study also come to conclusions about those who are born after 1968 see China mainland as both a political threat and an economic opportunity. It is important to understand that the challenges for the future strategic partnership between US – Taiwan will be shaped by these generations. The US strategic partnership with Taiwan have a significant impact on how the US administration forms its policy. Lawrence & Morrison (2017) have described that the Taiwan Relations Act 1979 provides the lawful premise and basis for the informal connection between the US and Taiwan. It justifies that US assurance to support Taiwan in keeping up its capability in the defensive posture and vows on the non-violent and peaceful resolution of the differences with China.
3. Discussion
a. US – Taiwan relations: strategic partnership versus diplomatic relations
Taiwan international status is unique and one of a kind with recognize by only a few small countries and not acknowledge by United Nation (UN) as a member make Taiwan has its own identity. Taiwan must look at others way when direct diplomatic relations with US is not possible. The possible means is strategic partnership but required to differentiate it with diplomatic relations. US ties with Taiwan must not be having diplomatic ties thus making it official relations with China is possible. Parameswaran (2014) defined strategic partnership as a loose but structured framework of collaboration between parties to address usual challenges and to seize opportunities in several areas. Czechowsk (2013) gives the meaning of strategic partnership as a new type of bilateral relations that combines a flexibility and deep rapprochement has become a supplement for the multilateral negotiations on the global pressing issues. According to Parameswaran (2014) strategic partnership has four elements to considerations that relates Taiwan – US’s relations. First, strategic partnership is a loose form of alignment, entailing a much lower level and less binding commitment relative to tighter ones like alliances. Second, a strategic partnership is a structured framework of collaboration between parties. The difference between strategic partnership and diplomatic relations is that the structure of constant and normal interactions between two countries emphasized by the various network of institutions at the intergovernmental level involved. The structure of these institutions may differ from one another, however, the form usually entrenched in the areas of cooperation from main agencies thus provide the mechanism of partnership. Third, the main purpose of the strategic partnership is to both address common challenges and seize joint opportunities, rather than countering a particular country or group. It is mainly a tool for countries to pursue some opportunities for selective engagement and commitment with many partners as possible without isolating others. It is a goal driven rather than threat driven arrangement. Fourth, strategic partnerships are multidimensional involving collaboration in several areas. It is not only focused on military or security cooperation like an alliance.
Berridge and James (2003) defined diplomatic relations as the situation enjoyed by two states that can communicate with each other unhampered by any formal obstacles. In the absence of diplomatic relations, no communication likely be straight forwarded and may even be impossible. Thus, being in diplomatic relations is the usual means of maintaining permanent contact between two states. The difference between strategic partnership and diplomatic relations indicate clearly the kind of relations between Taiwan and the US. The relations between two countries is through strategic partnership on which the communications are indirect manners as required through diplomatic relations. It is important to understand how the US manages to have a connection with Taiwan. The US maintains its strategic partnership through Taiwan by using the TRA 1979 and while at the same time having a diplomatic tie
with China by adhere to One China Policy based on the Three Joint Communiques. The US against any unilateral changes to the current situation or status quo in the Taiwan Straits by either side and does not encourage Taiwan independence. The country also continues to back any peaceful resolution between China and Taiwan issues in right method, scope and pace tolerable to both sides.
According to Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report (2017) strategic partnership firstly taking from the element of the loose form of alignment, the limited alignment allows the small state like Taiwan to obtain the returns by an assistance of economic security from US without risking the consequences of aggressive action from mainland China. Secondly, looking at the element of the structured framework of collaboration between parties, Taiwan and US strategic partnership is structured under the entity known as the American Institute of Taiwan (AIT). It is an entity that has a responsibility including linking with the representative from Taiwan which supporting the trade, defense relationship and conducting public diplomacy. Next, the element of strategic partnership in sharing challenges and seize joint opportunities. In the case of Taiwan, the US can have a strategic partnership with Taiwan and at the same time have a diplomatic relation with China on which against any diplomatic relations from others country towards Taiwan. Lastly for the element of multidimensional, US partnership with Taiwan not only confined by defense and security support but also in term of economy and trading partner.
b. Development of US - Taiwan relations towards strategic partnership
Prosperous in economy growth plus long-standing rivalry with Communist China required Taiwan to strengthen its defense and security to protect its sovereignty and survival. Thus, US as a superpower nation in term of military and economy is a place for Taiwan to bandwagoning with. As an island nation without land bordering country, Taiwan economy must depend on its sea lanes to have a trading with outside worlds. During the early years of Taiwan, the US has significantly provided a support in its defense and security. US have sent the US Navy 7th Fleet to Taiwan Straits when there was an invasion threat from communist China in the early of 1950s to defend the island from an attack. With the US guarantee of the security on the island, the nationalist KMT Party led by Chiang Kai-shek have taken an advantage by taking various kind of reform to strengthen Taiwan (Copper, 1996). Some of the efforts were to organize elections and constructed an effort to make Taiwan political system more democratic. The US has played a vital role in ensuring Taiwan security since 1949 and after the diplomatic ties was broken in 1979. This security assurance was enabled by the TRA and strengthened by three joint US-China communiqués on which by this support has acted as a symbol of stability and peace in the region through US commitment.
Historically in early 1950 that the US had determined that despite communist victory in mainland China they have no any intention to prevent Communist forces from finishing off the KMT in Taiwan (Bergsten, Freeman & Lardy, 2008). However, when the Korean War breakout in June 1950, the US made a new strategic calculation that needs to show a firm and bold commitment to defend against communist aggression in the region. This also to assure and bolster the US allies’, especially during the early Cold War era. This US commitment to Taiwan security and peaceful salient to determine US credibility among its allies and friend who relies on the US for maintaining stability and peace in East Asia. The strategic changed caused the US to continue its relations with Taiwan and important to contain the aggression of communism, especially in the North East Asia vicinity. After the US decisions to establish a diplomatic relation with communist China in 1979, the diplomatic ties with Taiwan were terminate thus US military presence in the island was also abolish. However, this action does
not end the US military support to Taiwan in term of arms sales and military presence within the surrounding vicinity in the region.
The TRA 1979 is virtually a non-formal defense commitment by the US to Taiwan on which the US will provide a necessary means to make sure that Taiwan can maintain its own self- defense capacities and capabilities. After DPP take back power in 2016, Taiwan was developing the strategy in defense that can complement the US military and the Japanese Self Defense Force strategy (Project 2049 Institute 2018). The US has played a prominent role to create the conducive environment in order to ensure that Taiwan defense strategy which developing local defense industry in security matter and increasing defense budget spending in term of economic prosperity. It is undeniable during the Vietnam War that Taiwan provides support to US operations in term of economic and technical assistance (Bergsten et al 2008).
In early 1960, Taiwan economy increases rapidly with the strategy of export headed growth on which shifted the island from an agricultural to industrial. Taiwan economy achievement to be important for the US as a strategic partnership member. In term of economic support, historically the US has provided an economic aid to Taiwan after the Korean War breakout. At first, the US support was to help Taiwan to secure its future but later it changed to the development of the economy. The US aid program to Taiwan has energized and also encouraged deregulation and promoted an advanced idea of the market component besides financing framework development and infrastructure constructions (Jacoby, 1966). However, in 1964 US was briefly stopped their economic support to Taiwan and because of this, Taiwan forced to stand and survive on its own (Copper, 1996). Despite the termination of aid from the US, Taiwan economy successfully retrieves and grow rapidly on which also change the social life of the people (Rosier et al 2016). It was also the time that the politics more towards democracy while the authoritarian was becoming lessen.
c. The internal and external factors contribute to the US-Taiwan strategic partnership
i. Internal Factors
The US views on Taiwan's democracy as an example of bot only for Asia but also for the whole world. The defeated of the long-standing KMT Party to DPP in the year 2000 showing the peaceful transfer of power in Taiwan politics. Both parties have different policy and perspective on how Taiwan should behave in China which always become a shadow to them since 1949. The year 2000 marks a new era in Taiwan politics on which the DPP won the Taiwan election for the first time from KMT Party and their leader Chen Shui-bian was appointed as a Taiwan president. The DPP administration brought Taiwan’s first democratic transfer of power from one party to another, after 55 years of KMT rule. DPP which well acknowledge with their stand for pro-independence change the political landscape not only domestically but also internationally especially their relations with the US as the main ally which Taiwan most dependent. While the US stand for the issue for Taiwan independence is a taboo for its relations with China, an attempt of declaring independence of Taiwan clearly crosses the red line for the US. The actions also called into a question of US support for Taiwan, especially in economy and military. DPP move and effort is taken to discuss circulating a ballot referendum to call for new Taiwan constitution in 2003 and call for membership in United Nations (UN) under name of Taiwan was angered China and the frustrated US. The US under Bush administration considered the initiative was a highly provocative step toward changing the formal name of the country that suggested independence from China.
President Clinton in 2000 has declared that in recognition of Taiwan’s democracy, another condition for the resolution of Taiwan must take as peaceful manner as well as with the consent
by the of Taiwan’s people itself. Besides that, in 2003, President Bush has opposed and disapprove of any unilateral decision to change the status quo of Taiwan. Although President Bush opposing such referendums move made by the Taiwan government, the US did position the aircraft carriers near Taiwan as a symbolic referendum which targeting of China’s condemnation and aggressiveness towards Taiwan. The DPP action and the US response concerning the matters have proven important to be valued because it shapes the conditions and situations in the regions beside US deep interest on Taiwan. Taiwan has also the unique situation in which it can have self-determination only if it does not attempt to be recognized with the sovereignty thus the best for Taiwan is to only have a greater security under the term of political ambiguity. In March 2008, the old KMT Party come back to power when they won the elections. The victory of the KMT Party under the leadership of Ma Ying-jeou steered the island second democratic transfer of power from DPP and have an intention from President Bush. The US President congratulated the peaceful power transfer and did mention it as a beacon of democracy. Some of the American politicians in the US has stressed that regarding the victory have referred Taiwan as a model democracy in a Chinese cultural context. Ma Ying- jeou who later being appointed as a President has raised an expectation of a new stability and decrease the tensions with mainland China. KMT Party stands of One China Policy since defeated to Communist Party in 1949 still became a backbone to the party principles towards China.
The presidential election victory of KMT Party on March 2008 paved the way from elections for the Legislative Yuan (LY) on 12 January 2008 by defeating the DPP. Having won the presidency in March, the KMT Party assumed solid control of the government in May 2008 and the legislative elections were the first held under new electoral rules adopted in 2005 under an amendment to Taiwan’s constitution. The rules cut in half the size of the LY to 113 members from its former size of 225 and increased the term of office from three years to four years. The rules also instituted a new single-member district system employing two ballots for voters, like systems used in Germany and Japan with one to be cast for a candidate and one to be cast for a political party. DPP in 2016 again has won the presidential and legislative elections with the new elected President Tsai Ing-wen. President Tsai and the DDP hold the position that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent state while any change in this status should be decided by the 23 million people of Taiwan and self-determination should guide Taiwan's future trajectory.
Taiwan is an island trading nation that is heavily reliant on the global exchange of goods and services. Taiwan has not yet been able to make considerable progress on trade liberalization, let alone progress toward new bilateral trade deals with Taiwan strategic partnership like the US. Since the US break the diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1978, China actively tries to encourage the economic integration with Taiwan. China has displaced the US as the Taiwan largest export partner amounting 25 percent from overall export by the year 2001. In term of foreign direct investment, Taiwan cumulative investment in China totalled more than USD$
21.43 billion as of 2003. In the information technology (IT) industry, Taiwan producers have become more dependent on China. China does have used economy coercion to threaten Taiwan specially to deter any intention towards independence. In the China perception, the use of economic coercion against Taiwan may reduce the military conflict. Before the changes on the Taiwan administration from KMT to DPP, China expanding the trade with the island would contain the separation trends by closely interact with the groups in Taiwan so that it will help in supporting and facilitate peaceful unifications for the future.
China has failed to achieve its aim to use the economy as a tool of reunifications during the DPP administration starting from 2000 until 2008. The failure due to the internal Taiwan
economic integration polarizes on which President Chen and the supporter of independence has their own strong company backup thus does not rely on business community closer with China. The others were when it became more economic integration, President Chen has been at the greater pressure to enlarge and stiffen the military ties with the US and develop separate Taiwan national identity. Taiwan interdependent with China in the economy was cause for concern domestically from opposition political party especially DPP under President Chen.
Thus, after the DPP won the elections, some of the action taken by the President Chen administration was to place a ceiling for Taiwan investment in China, proposed a national technology protection law to regulate the flow of high technology products and to lure back Taiwanese firm back to Taiwan. It shows on how the DPP perception towards mainland China with regard to the pro-Independence ideology. President Ma Ying-jeou since elected in March 2008 had made an attempt to expand economic and social linkage between Taiwan and China.
Taiwan increasingly wary as to the potential negative implications of clear economic ties that might make the island more dependent on the mainland China.
ii. External Factors
External factors also important in shaping strategic partnership relations between the US and Taiwan. The factors mainly discuss in this research are Taiwan relations with China, an effect on US and China diplomatic relations and Taiwan relation with international organizations.
China has always become a gist and vital factors for Taiwan. China long-term objective towards Taiwan is to achieve reunification while for the short term is to stabilize the relationship to make the tangible progress towards reunifications. Taiwan relationship with China has always become a trigger point to the instability of North East Asia regions since the KMT Party defeat in 1949 to communist. China approaches towards Taiwan involves three main elements which firstly, positive incentives involving in growing economic exchange, secondly military build-up focus on the island and thirdly a continuous effort to isolate Taiwan internationally (Vorndick 2018). Taiwan moves towards separation have sometimes up and down, but it has been maintained towards greater independence from China especially since the year 2000. China has always concerned about the movement on which since 1949 has an intent to preserve Chinese sovereignty and nationalistic ambitions. The unpredictable of the Taiwan issue and consequences for China foreign policy are enhanced by the fact that China often unable to control the leaders in Taiwan who have to pursue opportunities to continuously seeking for independence from China (Sutter 2008).
The Taiwan election in the year 2000 which witnessed the victory of DPP in defeating the long- standing ruling KMT party marks a serious setback for China. DPP well known as pro- independence movement cause serious threats to China and might escalate tensions between two nations. The US on which become a long-standing ally for Taiwan although do not have an official diplomatic tie with the island always become an effective tool to cool down the stress. President Chen in his inauguration speech after taking over power was trying to divert the intention of independence for Taiwan while at the same time refuse to China demand to adhere to a One China Policy. In order to reduce China pressure on Taiwan, President Chen has announced that Taiwan may not declare the independence, no change of national title, not to the inclusion of two state theory in the constitution, referendum for reunifications or independence not to be held and lastly not to abolish the National Unification Council.
However, this initiative was not accepted by China thus put more pressure and increase strong effort to isolate Taiwan internationally.
During these durations also seen that China put the pressure on the US towards diplomatic offensive which observes the US as a primary responsibility for Taiwan to continue its
separation. China effort to the pressure on US nevertheless become a setback when President Bush responds with more arms sales to Taiwan. In the same time, for Taiwan, the US has strongly sent a message that they oppose the independence movement and stick to the One China Policy. President Chen and DPP have continuously pushed for the reformation of Taiwan status as a country via permanently separate from China. China view on the proposed reformation as the steps to change the Taiwan constitution towards independence thus indicate the possibility of the cause of war. This was not what the US hope and with concern about the President Chen action taking an extraordinary step to warn the Taiwan administration. The US has continued to press Taiwan to avoid any provocations action but at the same time remain firm in maintaining the military support to deter China from using force against the island. The US influence on Taiwan during the time also can be witnesses by intervened the Taiwan legislative elections campaign mainly against DPP and President Chen rhetoric about independence. The US under President Bush administration policy toward Taiwan remains strong to prevent China from attacking Taiwan and to deter Taiwan from taking any unilaterally disrupting the status quo with provocative moves towards independence. The US would have like to see dialogue between Taiwan and China as a tool to reduce misunderstanding and ease tension.
4. Conclusion
Strategic partnership ideas are the only way to keep the US having a relationship with Taiwan on which have isolated by China from the world. The development of the relations is clearly through the diplomatic approach from 1949 after the KMT form a government in the island until before the US breaking the diplomatic ties in 1979. After that, the continuation of relations based on the strategic partnership method simply changes the US and Taiwan perceptions on how it should be progress without jeopardizing a safety and security in the region. The US- Taiwan ties through a strategic partnership approach do not limit only to the matter of economy and trading. The partnerships also including the understanding of the matter of defense and security. Taiwan government always relies upon that without the aid and support from the US, the island is become too vulnerable and exposed to external threats especially Communist China. Although Taiwan is not well recognized as a state, the strategic partnership provides meaningful aids to support its survival. The internal and external factors that influence the strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan is significant and imperative to understand.
The internal factors consist of Taiwan politics and its domestic economy shaped the way Taiwan react towards the partnerships thus influence the US on how they should respond.
Taiwan is acknowledged by the US having an excellence practice in politics by conducting the fair and free elections. It has set an example on how the democracy country behaves and bring the things in proper democratic ways. Although the long-standing KMT Party lost their power in 2000 to DPP, the transfer and transition of power were conducted in a proper manner without any violent and unnecessary action happen. Same goes for the DPP when they lost to KMT in 2008 after 8 years govern Taiwan. In the same time, both parties do have own agenda on how they want to bring the island to become better and excel in the future. KMT believe in One China Policy thus have very good relations towards China rather than DPP on which believe in the independence of the island is the best solutions. Thus, in comparing the two main political party which is KMT Party and DPP, it becomes clear that the DPP has been more Taiwan- centric in their perspectives and wary of China compare to the KMT Party. This kind of differences of thought and idea is keen to observe and monitor by the US as the main ally to the island since after the end of second world war. Taiwan is always becoming the backbone to the US when making a policy in Asia specifically East Asia regions area. The interest for its credibility and integrity among allies and friends always become a though the time when
dealing with Taiwan especially China as a major power in the Asia nation has a strong attention towards Taiwan. Every action was taken by Taiwan especially regarding the intention to get away from China always been monitor closely by the mainland thus provides a tense and stress to the surrounding areas. Besides the politics, Taiwan’s which have an advanced in economy and society undoubtedly contribute to the global efforts to address a range of challenges internationally (Connor et al 2004). In term of its economy, Taiwan has a strong base of the economy from agriculture to the most sophisticated technological equipment base. This provides important not only to the US but also others country that has a trading and economy ties. Even though Taiwan is not recognized internationally because of China obstacle to it, the economy of Taiwan is one of the most progressive and advance globally. The US in perception on the Taiwan politic, economy and social progress looking at the important for the Taiwan people to have a strong defence and security posture. Shadowing by mainland China aggression and influence, the prominent and strong in Armed Forces to protect and secure its island is vital. The commitment by the US to arms the island through the arms sales, defence collaboration and cooperation is what the Taiwan government and people hope for although China is not too easy about it. At last, Taiwan has created a good life for the country with economically developed, democratic society and good relations with outside country although is not being recognized by most of the world country that conforms to US values and interest.
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