Despite strong opposition from China, the Obama administration authorized a $1.83 billion arms sale to Taiwan in December. The deal marked the first U.S. arms shipment to the island in more than four years. Made up almost exclusively of defensive weapons, the military package included frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and surface-to-air missiles, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-ship missile defense systems.
While the sale is consistent with longstanding U.S. policy on arms sales to Taiwan and bolsters Taiwan’s ability to defend itself, the question remains whether the shipment is sufficient given increasing Chinese aggression in the South and East China Seas. China’s assertive territorial claims and construction of islands in disputed waters have heightened tensions in the region. What are the security implications for Taiwan? What U.S. policy options are available to support this key ally?
On August 9, Hudson Institute hosted a conversation with Richard Fisher, Paul Giarra, and Ian Easton on regional security challenges facing Taiwan. Hudson Senior Fellow Seth Cropsey moderated the discussion.
Click here to view Rick Fisher's slide presentation.
Join Hudson Institute for a discussion with former US Ambassador to Venezuela James Story to examine recent developments in Venezuela and assess the direction of Washington's strategy.
Please join Ambassador Greer for a fireside chat with Senior Fellow Peter Rough on the Trump administration’s first year back in office and what’s next for US trade policy.
Join Nina Shea in a discussion with Ethan Gutmann and Congressman Chris Smith, the author of the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting bill.
Please join Acting Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Pierre Yared for a conversation with Senior Fellow Tom Duesterberg on the first year of the Trump administration’s economic agenda and the key factors shaping the US economy’s outlook.
