The upcoming presidential election in Taiwan is shaped by both domestic concerns and the U.S.-China struggle over the self-governing island. Key local issues like the economy, energy independence, healthcare, and corruption are dominating the electoral discourse, and whoever wins will play a key role in shaping cross-strait relations—and U.S.-China relations—in 2024 and the years to come.

The 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum covered all aspects of the Global Security Initiative, with official representatives and scholars from China and foreign countr

Different goals will determine how China and the United States will engage. Both sides want peace in the Taiwan Strait — which is the first point of consensus and one that should be expanded. The trouble is that the voices for peace are not in the mainstream in the United States.

China and the U.S. both emphasize that their Taiwan policies have not changed, even though their wording has. The larger problem, however, is that the authorities in Taiwan authorities are bent on independence and rely heavily on U.S. power. This has created an Asian powder keg.

Past agreements that were sufficient to navigate the political complexities are being eroded. China and the United States now seem driven toward more military posturing. But the notion of gaining security solely through military might is an illusion. A new approach is needed.

With elections just a few weeks away, Taiwan is at its ultimate crossroads. Continued militarization would certainly undermine its past economic success.

On July 25, the U.S. House passed the “Taiwan International Solidarity Act” (H.R. 1176) or TISA by voice vote. The legislation must now be passed by the Senate and signed by the president to become law. Is this law necessary? Will the president sign it? If so, will the legislation accomplish anything? Numerous questions have been raised.

U.S. allies in East Asia are growing reluctant to support American military actions in the event of a conflict with China over Taiwan. These allies express concerns about the significant costs and risks associated with such a conflict, prompting them to advocate for restraint and inform Washington that it would have to confront any resulting conflict with China independently.

Legislators in Washington should cease and desist in their political maneuverings on Taiwan. It’s only making things worse. Undermining the political credibility of the United States and damaging the interests of the American people is a dubious distinction indeed.

The summit did not alter the overall direction of the United States or its core group of allies. U.S.-led competition with China only entered a new phase. America’s objectives have not changed, although it now sees the need to make adjustments.