The US must raise the costs for China.
The United States has a vital strategic interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. As China continues to employ grey-zone tactics to coerce Taiwan, it is imperative that the Trump administration takes decisive action to raise the costs for China and support Taiwan’s defence capabilities.
China’s grey-zone tactics, which include military exercises and other forms of coercion, are designed to signal to the United States that Beijing’s capabilities are too advanced for Washington to intervene on Taiwan’s behalf. To counter this, the United States should announce additional military aid to Taiwan and deploy more high-end military capabilities to the region. This would not only bolster Taiwan’s defence but also demonstrate to China that the US is committed to maintaining stability in the region.
Deepening military engagement with Japan, particularly in the southwestern islands that stretch toward Taiwan, is another crucial step. This coordination would complicate Chinese plans for a blockade or invasion and signal a united front against aggression. Joint military exercises with Japan would further demonstrate the US ability to keep critical sea-lanes open and surge forces into the region as needed.
Washington should also make it clear that its response to Chinese coercion will not be limited to the military domain. Further pressure on Taiwan should invite broader US restrictions on high-tech exports to China. This economic leverage would add another layer of deterrence, making Beijing reconsider the costs of its aggressive tactics.
Even if China does not abandon its grey-zone playbook, these steps would better prepare Taiwan for a potential conflict. Enhanced military aid, strategic deployments, and stronger alliances would ensure that Taiwan is not left vulnerable. At the same time, economic measures would signal to China that continued aggression will have significant repercussions.
The Trump administration has a critical role to play in supporting Taiwan and maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. By raising the costs for China, strengthening alliances, and leveraging economic power, the US can help deter aggression and ensure stability in the region. This coordinated approach would not only protect Taiwan but also uphold the broader strategic interests of the United States in the Indo-Pacific.
* Nephew of the Dalai Lama, Khedroob Thondup is a geopolitical analyst.