The Center for Study of Asia Hosts Conference on Tensions in Taiwan Strait and Role of U.S. Allies

On March 28, 2024, the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies’ Center for the Study of Asia (BUCSA), held a conference titled “Tension in the Taiwan Strait: The Role of U.S. Allies.” Moderated by Thomas Berger, professor of international relations at the Pardee School, the event examined the risks of conflict in the Taiwan Strait amidst the changing geostrategic environment and its implications for the U.S., Taiwan, Sino-U.S. relations, and the U.S.-led alliance system in the region. The conference was supported by the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston (TECO Boston), and the Ministry of Education, Republic of China (Taiwan).

The conference featured expert speakers Akio Takahara, Professor of Contemporary Chinese Politics at the University of Tokyo, Ja-Ian Chong, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, and Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center and Director of the East-West Center in Washington.

In a LinkedIn post, Limaye summarized key points from the panel: “Expectations of allies/partners support in Taiwan contingency rising due to: intensified and ‘sticky’ US-PRC strategic competition, rising expectations of PRC action against Taiwan, enhanced US ally/partner cooperation with US and to some extent with each other.”

However, Limaye noted allies are “hedging multiple levels and stakes” given China’s assertiveness, uncertainty about the U.S. commitment, a fragmenting international system, and navigating relationships between the U.S., China, and other partners. Challenges include differentiating ally roles in peacetime versus conflict, U.S. influence, types of access requested, and allies prioritizing territorial defense.

Taiwan finds itself in an increasingly unstable situation as tensions between China and the U.S. escalate. With China flexing its growing military might and President Xi Jinping asserting the “unshakable commitment” to resolving the Taiwan issue, the prospect of conflict in the Taiwan Strait is at its highest since the 1950s, despite Beijing’s stated goal of peaceful reunification.

The U.S. has responded by underlining its commitment to maintaining security, deploying forces, and improving Taiwan’s defenses, though analysts still view the immediate risk of full-scale conflict as relatively low. However, the conference examined the growing risks of incidents that could rapidly escalate into a major international crisis.

Building on previous Pardee School events about Taiwan’s security, including discussions with Taiwanese officials, the conference provided insights into this pivotal geostrategic issue and the critical role of U.S. allies in the region.