The U.S. Perception of Taiwan`s Sovereignty and the Future of Cross-Strait Relations

Abstract

Washington`s Taiwan policy has been a controversial issue for U.S. policymakers and politicians for decades. At the core of the Taiwan issue is the question of establishing sovereignty. However, there is no ”silver bullet” for resolving cross-Strait issues, especially the issue of Taiwan`s sovereignty. This paper first presents a chronological review of the components of the U.S. government`s ”one-China policy” and then examines a definitional problem found in the debate on sovereignty and its implications for Taiwan`s sovereignty. A preliminary assessment will be made of the U.S. perception of Taiwan`s sovereignty by analyzing key documents and interviews which have been conducted in Washington. This paper will then conclude with a discussion of some of the implications for the future of cross-Strait relations. It is argued that for the United States, Taiwan`s sovereignty is defined as ”one policy, three sovereignties, and five perceptions.” The United States is reluctant to define Taiwan`s sovereignty, and as interviews conducted in Washington indicate, Taiwan`s status is clearly unsettled. The United States challenges neither the Republic of China`s (ROC) governance of Taiwan, nor Beijing`s position on Taiwan`s sovereignty. In brief, the United States does not take sides on this issue, but is still bound to a certain degree by its domestic law, the Taiwan Relations Act. The united States` foremost concern is to strike a delicate balance between helping Taiwan to practice its consent, while at same time not violating its own national interests (which implies avoiding a military confrontation with China). This clearly takes precedence over getting involved in defining Taiwan`s sovereignty.