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Michael Green: Taiwan’s defense commitment under scrutiny
Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.2023/12/11 12:05 -
Taro Aso warns of potential Chinese move on Taiwan’s Kinmen
Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso warned of the possibility of China occupying Kinmen, one of Taiwan’s off-shore islands, instead of launching a full-scale invasion. Aso emphasized the need for Japan and Australia to align with the United States in the face of China’s growing intentions to forcefully take Taiwan. He urged Japan to join the AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership formed by Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., to ensure an open and safe Indo-Pacific region. Aso believed that this strengthened partnership would contribute to stronger security politics in the region. The security cooperation between Japan and Australia aims to deter Chinese hegemonism. Aso expressed confidence that the envisioned Indo-Pacific security partnership would exert pressure on China’s military advancements.2023/11/16 20:33