Former US defense policy adviser Michael Pillsbury says that Taiwan has a key role to play in the US government’s strategic “rebalance” toward Asia.
Pillsbury was speaking at Taiwan’s legislature on Friday. Pillsbury said he believes the US will continue its “Rebalance to Asia” regardless of who wins the US presidential election next year. He called on Taiwanese officials and academics to come up with specific proposals for ways Taiwan can contribute to the policy.
Pillsbury said that maintaining stable relations with Mainland China is one role Taiwan must play in order for the rebalance to be successful. He gave the example of a change to Taiwan’s official name or flag, saying that such moves could seriously disrupt relations with China. He said that this in turn would jeopardize the US relationship with both parties.
“The US provides Taiwan with certain protection. It helps to ensure that it is recognized as the Republic of China,"said Pillsbury.
"However, such protection isn’t without limits. Taiwan can’t do as it pleases and expect the US to protect it. That’s not to say the US can make decisions for Taiwan – Taiwan can make decisions through votes. But US policy isn’t a blank check. It comes with limits.”
Meanwhile, former National Defense Minister Tsai Ming-shann says he hopes the US will make Taiwan part of its regional security system. He also said the US should respect Taiwan’s sovereignty and interests and not sacrifice Taiwan for the sake of US-China relations.