In order to counteract the probable severance of Taiwan’s undersea cables by the PRC in the event of an invasion, Taipei has invested in satellite communications, which will play a crucial role in defensive military operations.
Over the past five years, Canada-Taiwan relations have grown in multiple areas, including closer economic ties, increased diplomatic engagement, and signed agreements relating to shared areas of interest.
Although the government’s “America First” rhetoric casts doubt on US commitment to Taiwan’s defense, polls indicate that a majority of Americans support the United States defending Taiwan if attacked by China.
US-Taiwan trade negotiations are going to be difficult: not just because of the diplomatic restrictions on Washington-Taipei communications, but also because of the nature of the tariffs the Trump Administration is applying.
Moving forward, it will be important to keep an eye on several indicators— technological, political, economic, and security—in order to determine the cost and benefits of US-Taiwan engagement.