Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the United States’ One China policy has “outlived its usefulness.” He adds that Washington should also move away from its long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity towards Taiwan. That all came during a Tuesday meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen.
Esper was referring to the United State’s policy of not commiting to Taiwan’s defense if the country is attacked. He says China is the “greatest challenge” facing the world’s democracies, and that Taiwan is on the frontline of the contest between the United States and China. Because of this, Esper believes it is important for democracies around the world to support Taiwan.
Tsai says with the rise of authoritarianism around the world and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, democracies must strengthen their ties. She says the country is looking forward to deepening its trade and economic links with the United States and Europe.
Esper heads the Washington-based think tank the Atlantic Council. He and two colleagues from the council are on a four day visit to Taiwan that started on Monday. The group will meet with various Taiwanese officials and politicians to discuss trade, economic, diplomatic, and security issues.