New Delhi: Since Donald Trump’s arrival in power, the global power balance has started to shift dramatically. New power groupings are emerging, with Russia asserting influence in Eastern Europe, China expanding its sphere in East Asia and the US focusing more on its own territory. This change is reshaping strategic dynamics worldwide and Trump’s leadership is significantly altering US foreign policy.
One notable shift occurred with the US Department of State’s change in its fact sheet on Taiwan. The United States traditionally held a cautious stance, saying that it did not support Taiwan’s independence, while opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo by force.
However, under Trump’s administration, the sentence “We do not support Taiwan’s independence” was quietly removed, signalling a more assertive approach to Taiwan and China. This reflects a broader shift in American strategy, particularly under figures like Marco Rubio and Elbridge Colby, who have emphasised the growing threat from China rather than Russia.
Colby, nominated as Undersecretary of Defence for Policy, has advocated for a more focused US approach to the Indo-Pacific, warning against over-commitment in Ukraine. His perspective aligns with the emerging consensus that the real challenge lies with China, not Russia.
In line with this, China has made significant diplomatic strides, with many countries, including those in Africa and Latin America, moving toward supporting Beijing’s stance on Taiwan’s reunification. The US withdrawal from global conflicts and the shift to focusing on China are clear signs of a strategic pivot.
Trump’s administration is reshaping global policy, especially concerning Taiwan and China, with the Quad nations—India, Japan, Australia and the US—now central to American strategy. This shift highlights the importance of the Indo-Pacific. It will be closely watched by India, which should prepare for the implications of this new geopolitical landscape.
In Episode 1608 of #CutTheClutter, ThePrint Editor-in-chief Shekhar Gupta looks at the implications of Trump’s course correction on Taiwan, China’s strategic warfare to contain Taiwan and why India should take note.
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