Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Israel-Hamas
    • NATO
    • China
    • Syria
    • North Korea
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Taiwan / The trouble with Taiwan
Taiwan, China

March 12, 2023

The trouble with Taiwan

By Lyle Goldstein

What is arguably the most important bilateral relationship in the world teeters on the brink of catastrophe as the Taiwan issue threatens to precipitate a war between the two nuclear-armed superpowers of China and the United States. Beijing demonstrated its determination to pursue unification with Taiwan during August 2022 by shooting ballistic missiles over the island. Meanwhile, the Ukraine War has increased Washington’s resolve to confront perceived Chinese aggression. There are many dimensions to the unfolding crisis over Taiwan’s future status—and the wisest US policy is one of realism and restraint in order to avert a disaster of global proportions.

Read at Bulletin of Atomic Scientists

Author

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

More on Asia

op-edGrand strategy, Air power, Asia, Balance of power, Global posture, Land power, Naval power

The Pentagon Is Ignoring Its Own Strategy

By Jennifer Kavanagh

May 7, 2025

ExplainerMiddle East, China, Europe and Eurasia

China can’t dominate the Middle East

By Rosemary Kelanic

May 5, 2025

In the mediaChina, Asia, Taiwan

Trump fires national security adviser, signaling new China line

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

May 2, 2025

op-edChina, Asia, Taiwan

Kavanagh and Wertheim Respond: Why Taiwan’s Survival Depends on Realistic Defense

By Jennifer Kavanagh and Stephen Wertheim

April 28, 2025

op-edChina, Air power, Asia, Balance of power, Global posture, Land power, Naval power

US should look before it leaps into South China Sea

April 18, 2025

op-edChina, Asia

Trump’s Trade War Threatens To Derail U.S.-China Relations

By Daniel DePetris

April 17, 2025

Events on Taiwan

See All Events
virtualAsia, China, Grand strategy, Taiwan

Past Virtual Event: Are semiconductors a reason to defend Taiwan?

November 17, 2022
virtualChina, Grand strategy, Taiwan

Past Virtual Event: Taiwan tensions and U.S.-China competition

August 25, 2022

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved