A Roadmap for U.S.-Taiwan Relations: Key Takeaways from the RRPFI Delegation’s Visit

Introduction: Strengthening U.S.-Taiwan Ties Amid Global Shifts

In a strategic move to strengthen ties between the United States and Taiwan, a delegation led by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) recently concluded a visit to Taiwan. The eight-member group, comprising U.S. national security and business leaders, met with Taiwanese political leaders and business elites during a period of significant transition. With a new administration in Taipei, a presidential transition in Washington, D.C., and ongoing Chinese coercion in East Asia, the delegation’s visit was both timely and impactful. The series of meetings and discussions yielded several key takeaways, which could serve as a roadmap for the Trump administration to enhance the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. These recommendations aim to address the evolving security and economic challenges in the region while countering China’s aggressive posturing.

The Case for Ditching the "One China" Policy

One of the most significant recommendations from the RRPFI delegation is the call for the Trump administration to abandon the long-standing "One China" policy and formally recognize Taiwan as a "free" and independent state. This bold stance reflects the growing consensus among U.S. national security experts and lawmakers that the "One China" policy has outlived its utility in addressing the complexities of the modern geopolitical landscape. While the Trump administration has yet to clarify its official position on Taiwan, the delegation emphasized that the U.S. must take a firmer stand against Chinese aggression and embrace Taiwan as a critical democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific region. This shift in policy would not only bolster Taiwan’s international standing but also send a strong signal to Beijing about the consequences of its expansionist ambitions.

Defense Spending and National Unity: A Shared Responsibility

The delegation also underscored the importance of increasing defense spending and fostering national unity on security matters. They highlighted that the U.S. public expects its allies and partners, including Taiwan, to bear the primary responsibility for their own defense. This sentiment aligns with the Trump administration’s broader approach to security, which emphasizes burden-sharing among NATO allies and other partners. The delegation noted that Taiwan has already made significant strides in this regard, with defense spending increasing by 80% since 2016. Currently, Taiwan allocates 2.45% of its GDP to defense, and its defense budget accounts for 15% of the total budget. However, the delegation stressed that Taiwanese leaders must continue to deliver on their commitment to enhance defense spending and operational capabilities to ensure regional stability.

Leveraging Tools for Peace and Stability: The Role of Military Aid

The RRPFI delegation also highlighted the importance of leveraging tools like the Presidential Drawdown Authority and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities. Citing the success of these mechanisms in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, the delegation argued that such tools could play a pivotal role in ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. has been arming Taiwan for decades, and Taiwan has consistently been one of the largest purchasers of U.S. weapons through the FMS process. However, the delegation warned that any delay or cessation in weapons sales could undermine Taiwan’s security and embolden China, which has repeatedly condemned U.S. arms sales to Taiwan as "dangerous moves" that destabilize the region.

Taiwan’s Strategic Importance in Countering China’s Aggression

During their visit, the RRPFI delegation emphasized the critical role Taiwan plays in countering China’s malign influence in the region. They pointed to the South China Sea as a flashpoint where China’s ongoing aggression and expansionist activities threaten global security and economic interests. The delegation argued that the U.S. must maintain a strong commitment to peace through strength, including through robust partnership with Taiwan and sustained deterrence against Chinese aggression. In this context, the delegation called on the Trump administration to continue supporting Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its security capabilities while exploring new avenues for economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership for a Secure Future

The RRPFI delegation’s visit to Taiwan and the resulting recommendations underscore the significance of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. By abandoning the "One China" policy, increasing defense spending, and leveraging tools like the Presidential Drawdown Authority and FMS, the Trump administration can send a clear message to Beijing about the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty and security. At the same time, the delegation’s emphasis on national unity and burden-sharing highlights the need for bipartisan cooperation in Washington and greater investment by Taiwan in its own defense. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the U.S.-Taiwan partnership will remain a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.