If U.S.-China tensions were reduced in late October when the American and Chinese presidents finally met face-to-face in Busan, South Korea, more recent developments threaten to once again aggravate relations between Washington and Beijing.
November witnessed bitter recriminations between China and Japan, America’s foremost ally in the Asia-Pacific, over the fate of Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a breakaway province.
While many in Washington were likely relieved to see that the Taiwan issue was not broached at Busan, that proved premature. There’s another summit between the U.S. and China planned for April in the Chinese capital, and Taiwan and other related security issues should be at the top of the agenda.
While some have interpreted the new U.S. National Security Strategy as softer on China, Beijing is certain to brace at new language in the strategy that emphasizes Taiwan geostrategic importance and pledges to maintain U.S. “military overmatch” in the Taiwan Strait.
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