Richard Sanders
In a recent address at the National Review Institute’s Ideas Summit in Washington, retired Admiral Phillip Davidson, former commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, emphasized Taiwan’s vital role in US economic and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region. He described Taiwan as a “cornerstone” of American influence and urged for enhanced defensive measures both from the US and Taiwan.
Davidson highlighted the ongoing challenge posed by China, whose strategy aims to overshadow US leadership in global affairs by 2050. He warned that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is a genuine possibility, potentially occurring within the next six years. However, he stressed that this timeframe should be interpreted not as a countdown to war, but rather as a critical period during which China may employ various strategies—economic, diplomatic, and military—to undermine US standing while presenting itself as a rising power.
China’s focus on internal security priorities, particularly concerning Taiwan, necessitates stronger US deterrents, Davidson stated. He pointed out that regional allies consider the Taiwan Relations Act as a measure of US commitment to its foreign policy, particularly regarding Taiwan.
Davidson advocated for Taiwan to bolster its own defense capabilities, noting that recent statements from Elbridge Colby, the nominee for US undersecretary of defense for policy, reflected a consensus that Taiwan’s defense spending should rise to about 10 percent of its GDP. While Taiwan aims to develop asymmetrical warfare capabilities, Davidson insisted that traditional military assets, including aircraft, ships, and submarines, are also critical to countering aggressive maneuvers by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which routinely conducts incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
Speculating on the consequences should Taiwan fall under Chinese control, Davidson warned that neighboring countries, such as Japan and South Korea, might consider establishing their own nuclear deterrence strategies. This shift could challenge the US’s position on nuclear proliferation and potentially disrupt the stability of the existing US-led security framework in the Asia-Pacific region.
Overall, Davidson’s remarks underscored the importance of both US-Taiwan relations and Taiwan’s self-defense strategies in addressing the complex dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.
