Is Taiwan Indefensible?

The fate of Taiwan is uncertain. As a revanchist China builds up forces near the island, the Biden administration is warning Beijing against an invasion, bolstering its defense with the sale of military hardware. While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan’s government, it remains its strongest international backer. Beijing, meanwhile, sees Taiwan as lost territory, which needs to be “reunified” with the mainland. Recently, Beijing sent 25 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, the largest ever incursion into the region by the People’s Liberation Army. And some argue that the scale of China’s military presence has already surpassed anything the U.S. or Taiwan militaries could stop. It is indefensible, both militarily and from a political capital perspective; the notion of risking American soldiers in this geostrategic flashpoint unthinkable. Others say American credibility is actually on the line, that the U.S. could indeed win if it had to, and that its political posturing should reflect that.
So, here’s our question: Is Taiwan indefensible?
Presented in partnership with Foreign Affairs.
FOR THE MOTION:
Lyle J. Goldstein
Research Professor, China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S. Naval War College
&
Charlie Glaser
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University
AGAINST THE MOTION:
Elbridge Colby
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
&
Elizabeth Larus
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Mary Washington
Timestamps:
(3:53) Prof. Charles Glaser argues Taiwan is indefensible
(8:30) Prof. Elizabeth Larus argues Taiwan is defensible
(13:19) Director of Defense Priorities, Lyle J. Goldstein argues Taiwan is indefensible
(17:21) Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Elbridge Colby argues Taiwan is defensible
(23:36) Would the U.S. have the will to fight against Taiwan?
(25:17) Dr. Goldstein on how the fight for Taiwan would unfold
(31:57) China’s rapid military expansion: implications for the Indo-Pacific
(38:39) How does Taiwan's role as the #1 chip manufacturer impact the conflict calculus?
(41:06) How would the U.S. justify going to war for Taiwan to the American public?
(44:24) Closing Arguments Begin
#taiwanisindefensible #intelligencesquared #iq2us #debate #taiwan #china #opentodebate
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