U.S. Embracing Aggressive Stance Towards Taiwan: Empty Bluster, According to Analysis
The Dilemma Over Taiwan: ASEAN Amidst US-China Tensions
Why are some people making a mess of things, stirring up trouble unnecessarily? That's the question many are asking regarding the U.S.'s stance on Taiwan. And according to PLA Major General Hu Gangfeng, the U.S. is indeed creating instability in the entire region.
Last week, at the Shangri-La Dialogue for regional security in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth caused a stir, warning of dire consequences if China attempted to "control" Taiwan. He emphasized the U.S.'s steadfast commitment to its allies and partners, but did his message resonate?
Not quite, says some. Mohd Faiz Abdullah, the chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in Malaysia and a senior advisor to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, deemed Hegseth's suggestion for Southeast Asia to ramp up defense spending to 5% of GDP as "mind-boggling" and "nonsensical." He argued that it would be wiser for the U.S. to abandon harmful tariffs and pursue greater economic engagement with the region instead.
But here's the catch: Hegseth's call for military investments came hand-in-hand with pledging U.S. support against Chinese aggression. However, ASEAN isn't NATO. Most of its members aren't even military allies with the U.S., with the exception of the Philippines. Moreover, ASEAN aims to foster, not fight, relations with China—especially regarding Taiwan. The island isn't a flashpoint for East Asia like Ukraine is for the EU or NATO, and it's not even their conflict to engage in.
Navigating the Plus-Sized Chessboard
ASEAN nations' responses to the U.S.'s defense spending proposals are varied, reflecting their diverse economic and political priorities. The U.S., however, continues to urge its Asian allies, including ASEAN members, to increase their defense budgets to meet NATO-like standards[1][3], due to perceived threats from China.
ASEAN countries, however, currently invest between 1% and 3% of their GDP in defense[4], significantly below NATO's benchmark of 5%[1]. These countries may seek to maintain a balanced relationship with both the U.S. and China out of economic and strategic considerations[2]. They also prioritize regional stability and economic development, which could lead to a cautious approach regarding any military build-up or involvement in potential conflicts over Taiwan[3].
In sum, ASEAN countries seem intent on navigating the complex geopolitical landscape, striking a delicate balance between maintaining relationships with the U.S. and China while focusing on regional stability and economic growth.
- The unfolding events in Taiwan, amidst US-China tensions, have become a hot topic in policy-and-legislation and politics, as US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called for ASEAN nations to increase their defense budgets, echoing a push for military investments in the face of alleged Chinese aggression.
- Despite the US pressure for NATO-like defense spending, the majority of ASEAN countries invest far below the NATO benchmark, suggesting a preference for economic and strategic ties with both the US and China, and a cautious approach towards military policy-and-legislation and engagement in potential war-and-conflicts over Taiwan.
