The question of Taiwan’s future is one of the most volatile geopolitical issues of the 21st century. In We Are Funding China’s Growth, Edouard Prisse explains that China’s obsession with Taiwan is not just about national pride—it is a strategic, economic, and political necessity for Beijing. s that the U.S. must take decisive action to prevent Taiwan from falling into Beijing’s hands, as the consequences of inaction would be severe and irreversible.
1. The Consequences of a Chinese Takeover
Prisse warns that if China successfully annexes Taiwan, the consequences for the U.S. and its allies would be severe:
- If China successfully annexes Taiwan, it would dramatically shift the balance of power in the Asian hemisphere and threaten U.S. interests worldwide.
- Western access to Taiwan’s semiconductor production facilities would fall in Chinese hands and would make the West and her industry totally dependent on China.
- China would send a message to the world that the U.S. cannot protect its allies, weakening American influence globally.
Simply put, losing Taiwan means losing the whole Indo-Pacific to China.
3. How the U.S. Should Respond
Prisse argues that the current U.S. strategy of “strategic ambiguity” is outdated. Instead, Washington must:
- Strengthen Military Presence: The U.S. should increase its naval and air force presence in the region to deter Chinese aggression.
- Provide Advanced Weapons to Taiwan: Taiwan must be armed with cutting-edge defense systems, including missile defense, submarines, and cyber warfare capabilities.
- Impose Economic Consequences: China must face severe economic sanctions if it attempts to invade Taiwan.
- Strengthen Alliances: Thanks to President Biden, the U.S. has already worked with Japan, Australia, and India to form a united front against Chinese expansionism.
4. The Clock Is Ticking
Prisse warns that China will not wait forever. As Beijing grows economically and militarily stronger, its window for an invasion becomes more realistic. The U.S. must act now or risk facing a world where China dominates the Pacific and beyond.