The Trump administration has reaffirmed its long-standing position that it does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In its new National Security Strategy, the Defence planning places special attention on Taiwan. The strategy says, The island provides direct access to the Second Island Chain and splits Northeast and Southeast Asia into two distinct theatres.

 

 

In the strategy, released later this week, the United States has outlined a more rigid defence posture to counter China’s growing military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific. 

 

 

The strategy also highlighted that Washington must continue to improve commercial and other relations with India to encourage New Delhi to contribute to Indo-Pacific security, including through deeper cooperation in the Quad.