A former US Indo-Pacific Commander calls for Taiwan’s strategic clarity
Honolulu: Former US Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Harry Harris said Thursday that the United States must respond more explicitly to China’s growing pressure on Taiwan and its larger Indo-Pacific objectives, according to Taiwan News.
Harris urged Washington to end its long-standing practice of “strategic ambiguity” and explicitly state whether it would defend Taiwan in a cross-strait confrontation during his remarks at the Pacific Forum’s 50th anniversary event.
Harris added, “China has made it abundantly clear it intends to isolate and seize Taiwan,” alluding to Beijing’s ongoing military buildup and antagonistic stance toward the autonomous island. “We should be equally clear, and we should never allow China to dictate America’s foreign policy with regard to Taiwan.”
The former admiral emphasized that the Taiwanese people, who he said should know the full scope of US assistance, also need clarification in addition to deterrence. He reportedly said, “The people of Taiwan ought to know so they can make the decision whether to arm up or capitulate,” according to Taiwan News.
He went on to say that Americans should also be aware of the issues and if their troops may be called into action. “US service members are going to fight and potentially die over Taiwan,” he said.
Harris also emphasized how crucial it is to convey firmness to Beijing, cautioning that any invasion will cause China to suffer devastating losses. “If they invade Taiwan, they’re going to lose hundreds of thousands of Chinese soldiers and sailors and airmen and marines, whatever they have, in a pitched battle over Taiwan,” he said.
His comments were made only days after China tested its combined operations and blockade capabilities during a massive two-day military drill near Taiwan, according to Taiwan News.
The Pentagon has also raised the alarm, claiming Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to invade Taiwan by 2027 and warning on April 9 that China wants to overtake the US as the world’s leading superpower.
