The USC US-China Institute hosted a panel discussion “A time of uncertainty in US-Taiwan-China relations” on August 24.  Panel I had three speakers: Tom Hollihan on “Chaos and Disorder: Foreign Policy in the Trump Era”; Charles I-hsin Chen “The Last Link in the Cross-Strait Chain” and Stanley Rosen on “China’s Soft Power Efforts toward Taiwan”.   Derek Grossman and Kwei-bo Huang joined the second panel.   Grossman’s topic is “How serious are Beijing’s threat?’, while Chen talked about “Love from the US: How should Taiwan understand the support of the US?”   Clayton Dube moderated the sessions.

On August 1, the U.S. Senate passed its final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year of 2019, which includes several provisions to improve Taiwan's defense capabilities to counter China's increasing military muscle.  The NDAA sailed through the Senate 87-10, a week after the House passed an identical version of the bill on July 26.  On August 13, U.S. President Trump signed the US$716 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year of 2019.  The NDAA, officially now known as the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2019, for ailing Senator John McCain.  The final version of bill contains two sections (Section 1257 and Section 1258) requiring a strengthening of Taiwan’s defense and expanding cooperation between US and Taiwan..

The followings are the full texts of Section 1257 and Section 1258:

SEC. 1257. STRENGTHENING TAIWAN’S FORCE READINESS.

(a) Defense Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with appropriate counterparts of Taiwan, conduct a comprehensive assessment of Taiwan’s military forces, particularly Taiwan’s reserves. The assessment shall provide recommendations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, readiness, and resilience of Taiwan’s self-defense capability in the following areas:

(1) Personnel management and force development, particularly reserve forces.

(2) Recruitment, training, and military programs.

(3) Command, control, communications and intelligence.

(4) Technology research and development.

(5) Defense article procurement and logistics.

(6) Strategic planning and resource management.

(b) Report Required.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing each of the following:

(A) A summary of the assessment conducted pursuant to subsection (a).

(B) A list of any recommendations resulting from such assessment.

(C) A plan for the United States, including by using appropriate security cooperation authorities, to—

(i) facilitate any relevant recommendations from such list;

(ii) expand senior military-to-military engagement and joint training by the United States Armed Forces with the military of Taiwan; and

(iii) support United States foreign military sales and other equipment transfers to Taiwan, particularly for developing asymmetric warfare capabilities.

(2) APPROPRIATE SECURITY COOPERATION AUTHORITIES.—For purposes of the plan described in paragraph (1)(C), the term “appropriate security cooperation authorities” means—

(A) section 311 of title 10, United States Code (relating to exchange of defense personnel);

(B) section 332 such title (relating to defense institution building); and

(C) other security cooperation authorities under chapter 16 of such title.

(3) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.—In this subsection, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(A) the congressional defense committees; and

(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives

SEC. 1258. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON TAIWAN.

It is the sense of Congress that—

(1) the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and the “Six Assurances” are both cornerstones of United States relations with Taiwan;

(2) the United States should strengthen defense and security cooperation with Taiwan to support the development of capable, ready, and modern defense forces necessary for Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability;

(3) the United States should strongly support the acquisition by Taiwan of defensive weapons through foreign military sales, direct commercial sales, and industrial cooperation, with a particular emphasis on asymmetric warfare and undersea warfare capabilities, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act;

(4) the United States should improve the predictability of arms sales to Taiwan by ensuring timely review of and response to requests of Taiwan for defense articles and defense services;

(5) the Secretary of Defense should promote Department of Defense policies concerning exchanges that enhance the security of Taiwan, including—

(A) opportunities for practical training and military exercises with Taiwan; and

(B) exchanges between senior defense officials and general officers of the United States and Taiwan consistent with the Taiwan Travel Act (Public Law 115–135);

(6) the United States and Taiwan should expand cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and

(7) the Secretary of Defense should consider supporting the visit of a United States hospital ship to Taiwan as part of the annual “Pacific Partnership” mission in order to improve disaster response planning and preparedness as well as to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) held an event to celebrate the release of Michal Mazza’s report “Am American Strategy for Southeast Asia” on August 7, 2018.     The organizer invited three panelists (Cara Abercrombie, Walter Lohman, and Michael Mazza) to discuss how the US can implement a new vision for a free and prosperous indo-Pacific.    The panel was moderated by Dan Blumenthal.  Before panel discussion, Randall Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security, delivered a keynote speech.     The following is an event description provided by AEI: “In the wake of the “trade war” with China and drama on the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia often escapes notice.  But this vital corner of the world cannot become a sideshow.   Certainly, Southeast Asia’s tremendous economic and strategic potential is not lost on China, which has tried to bring the region under its influence.  And Chinese aggression is only the start; terrorism and democratic backsliding also threaten the region.  The need for strong partnership in Southeast Asia has never been greater.”    Shriver opened with an overview of the United States’ strategy in the Indo-Pacific region and how the Department of Defense’ efforts were crucial to a “free and open” region.   Mazza emphasized the importance of an open, peaceful, and prosperous Southeast Asia that demonstrates good governance.     Blumenthal said that ultimately, the United States will need to compete with Chine4se influence in the region.

The Heritage Foundation held a one-day conference titled “Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-Strait Relations” on July 18, 2018.   The conference was co-hosted by Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.     As described by the organizer, “Relations between Taiwan and China over the last couple of years have been very challenging.   China is very actively challenging Taiwan across the range of its national power, conducting military exercises off its coasts, pulling away its diplomatic allies, barring its meaningful participation in international organizations.  What is the impetus behind this new aggressive approach and where is it headed?  What can Taiwan and its friends and allies due to mitigate the pressure on it?”  During the full-day session, the organizer invited 18 experts (7 from Taiwan) to present their views in three panels and roundtable.  In addition, the morning keynote was presented by Chen ming-tong. Mainland Affairs Council Minister, Taiwan; Luncheon keynote by Representative Ted Yoho, Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the afternoon keynote by Randy Schriver, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia and Pacific Security Affairs.  The topics for each panel are: Panel I “China under Xi Jinping”; Panel II “US-China Relations: Implications for Taiwan’s Security and Democr5acy”; and Panel III: “Cross-Strait Relations and Strategic Impact”.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted the Eighth Annual South China Sea Conference on July 26, 2018.   This full-day conference included four pane discussions: Panel I: State of Play in the South China Sea over the past year; Panel II : Dispute Resolution in the South China Sea and Beyond; Panel III: Environmental Issues in the South China Sea: Panel IV: The Military Balance in the South China Sea.   The speakers for the first panel are Bill Hayton, Colin Willett, Sumathy Permal, Feng Zhang and Amy Searight (moderator, CSIS).  The second panel include Commodore Lalit Kapur, Charles I-Hsin Chen, Bec Strating, and Thanh Hai Do as panelists; and was moderated by Gregory Poling (CSIS). Brain Harding (CSIS) moderated the third panel with 4 panelists (Vo Si Tuan, Carmen Ablan Lagman, Rashid Sumaila and Mark Powell).   Andrew Shearer (CSIS) moderated the last panel with 4 speakers: Collin Koh Swee Lean, Hideshi Tokuchi, Richard Heydarian, and Bonnie Glaser.   The high lights of the conference were the morning Keynote delivered by Representative Ted Yoho and lunch Keynote by Randall G. Schriver, Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, DOD.  The conference provided opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis of developments in the South China Sea over the past year.

The Stimson Center hosted a seminar to commemorate the late Alan D. Romberg, Distinguished Fellow and Director of East Asia Program, on June 25, 2018.   “Across the Taiwan Strait: From Cooperation to Confrontation?” is the title of seminar. Throughout his career spanning several decades, Romberg made significant contributions toward improving our understanding of the US-Taiwan, US-China and cross-Strait relationships for US policy toward East Asia.  The organizer invited Professor Thomas Christensen, Princeton University, and Steve Goldstein, Harvard University, to discuss the current status of Taiwan Strait.  Yuki Tatsumi, Co-Director, East Asia Program, Stimson Center, was the moderator for the event.  Christenson said “China has applied military, economic and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan.  China realized they have failed miserably in one persistent fashion, and it is that they have failed miserably to win over the hearts and minds of the Taiwan public.”  He said that President Tsai has been a very moderate advocate of DPP’s position and on cross-strait relations she has avoided provocations.   Christensen further said “I personally think Tsai has been a very fine leader.  She taken a very careful road, a very prudent road in forwarding Taiwan’s interests.”    Goldstein said Taiwan and China remain in deadlock with few signs that either side will make a concession any time soon.  Under such circumstance, Taiwan should remain cautious and China should have patience to maintain the status quo.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen was interviewed by AFP at Presidential Building on June 24, 2018.  In a lengthy exclusive interview, Tsai commented on several key issues regarding Taiwan-China relations.  Tsai called on the international community to “constrain” China by standing up for freedoms, casting China as a global threat to democracy.  Tsai said “This is not just Taiwan’s challenge, it is a challenge for the region and the world as a whole, because today it’s Taiwan, but tomorrow it may be any other country that will have to face the expansion of China’s influence”.   Tsai urged other nations to unite with Taiwan in defending against China’s expansionist aims and to protect shared liberal values.   During the entire interview, President Tsai used strong words to remind other countries that China is coming, and the only way to meet China’s aggression is to unite with other friendly neighboring countries.  China’s aggression has already met US’ challenge with numerous economic and military actions.  US launched “Trade war with China”.  It is a clear signal that US fed up with China and is no longer tolerate China’s expansionist.   Regarding a possible meeting with China’s President Xi jinping, Tsai said “She would meet XI on an equal footing and with no political pre-conditions”.  Even though Beijing insists Tsai must agree that Taiwan is part of “one China“ in order for any meeting to take place, President Tsai said that the recent summit between US President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had provided a lot to think about.  Tsai said Taiwan had seen growing support from the United States when Congress recently passed bills paving the way for higher level official visits, and recommending greater US-Taiwan military exchanges.  Tsai attended a form titled “Global Solidarity of Democracy in Taiwan” hoisted by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy the next day.   Tsai warned that historical trends do not always favor the forward march of democracy.  It can also regress.  Tsai cited a report from Freedom House that the world faced consecutive year of decline in global freedom.

The Brookings Institution and Center for strategic and international Studies (CSIS) co-sponsored the panel discussion “Taiwan under Tsai: A two-year review” on May 30, 2018.  The speaker included Richard C. Bush, Bonnie S. Glaser, Ryan Hass, Shelley Rigger and Robert Wang.   The panelists addressed domestic politics and the economy on Taiwan, U.S.-Taiwan Relations, and cross-Strait relations and tensions.  As stated by the organizers that “international landscapes look very different for Taiwan.  Beijing suspended formal cross Strait dialogue following Tsai’s inauguration and embarked on a campaign of pressure against Taiwan.  Uncertainty has pervaded U.S.-Taiwan relations as the Trump administration’s commitment to and engagement in East-Asia as a whole has been questioned, and sparked fears that Taiwan will be inadvertently drawn into diplomatic clashes between the United States and China.  On the home front, the economy is growing but the benefits of growth are still unevenly distributed.   Public support for Tsai’s administration has lagged amid criticism of some of her policies.  Po9litical polarization continues unabated.  What do these developments mean for Taiwan’s present and future?”   Bush said that the United States should do more to push back against the unproductive recent actions by Beijing to suppress Taiwan international. Regarding trade negotiation between US and Taiwan, Bush said US should deal with it in a different way.  He did not see the sense in delaying talks on such an agreement due to the issue of Taiwan’s reluctance to open its market to US beef and pork that might contain excess additives. 

In order to keep peace across Taiwan Strait, the US government enforced so called “status quote “ to their Taiwan and China polices.   “No independence, no unification, no military attack” is the main objective of “status quote”.   The US government never officially defined and explained it.  However, “status quote” did draw several red lines regarding sovereignty and territory dispute between Taiwan and China.    The US government advised Taiwan not to officially declare independence and change nation’s name.  The US warned against China not to take any military attack against Taiwan to force unification.  Any political dispute should be settled peacefully.   As a democratic country, Taiwan government respected the United States’ position and would like to keep a close and friendly tie with US.   Even though the majority of Taiwanese has a strong desire to declare independence as a new nation, not to keep old name “Republic of China”; the Taiwan government still hesitated to take any drastic actions moving toward independence due to US’ objection.  On the other hand, China tried everything possible to threat Taiwan people and government.   China blocked Taiwan’s internal participation for many years.  In addition, China sent fighters and bomber to circle around Taiwan to show their military muscle and also openly interfere Taiwan’s elections.  As a matter of fact, China violated “status quote” quite often.   Most recent examples are China applied unprecedented pressure to World Health Organization to exclude Taiwan; and on May 24, 2018, forced Burkina Faso to sever tie with Taiwan.     After Taiwan lost its African ally, Burkina Faso, the multiple US congressmen immediately took to social media to express their concern and support for Taiwan.   Congressman Ted Yoho criticized China for its “two-faced aggression” and destabilizing the Taiwan Strait.  U.S. senator Marco Rubio called it regrettable and warned Beijing.   The next day, the Taiwan International Participation Act of 2018 was initiated by senators Cory Gardner and Edward Markey.   The bill instructs American representative in international organization to use the voice and vote of the United States to support Taiwan’s participation.  The U.S. State Department spokesperson accused China of changing the cross-Taiwan Strait status quote.  China undermined the framework that has enabled peace, stability, and development for decades.   President Tsai expressed regret over the severing of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Burkina Faso.