Beyond the “Orphan of Asia”

In the end, it may be necessary to acknowledge that mitigating the many elements contributing to Taiwanese skepticism could be challenging. No matter how firm the American guarantee, Beijing and its collaborators’ cognitive warfare will continue to sow distrust of the United States within Taiwanese society. 

Nevertheless, Taipei and Washington can still tackle this issue collaboratively. It is crucial for both parties to openly acknowledge the existence of skepticism and take proactive steps to manage it. The Taiwanese people must recognize that their autonomy and democratic way of life would not be as assured under Chinese rule. Similarly, the United States. should acknowledge the significance of safeguarding Taiwan’s freedom as an integral element of the Pax Americana. 

As Nancy Bernkopf Tucker and Bonnie Glaser suggested, constant and open high-level dialogues between Taipei and Washington are essential for building mutual trust. Disagreements on policy are natural as long as both sides manage them constructively. Both nations may have limited perspectives due to their distinct policy priorities, making it imperative to consistently exchange viewpoints rather than launching unilateral directives at each other.

Finally, Taiwan should strive to overcome the lingering feelings of being an "orphan" and assume the mantle of responsibility for its own self-defense, regardless of whether it can rely on U.S. assistance during a crisis. The lesson from Ukraine demonstrates that the national resolve to resist and fight on is as critical as the backing of powerful allies. This determination might not guarantee instant aid from partners or provide immunity from enemy actions. Yet, Taiwan’s best hope is to escape the eternal recurrence of being ruled and abandoned.

Yang Kuang-shun is the Co-founder of US Taiwan Watch.

Image: Shutterstock.