Tensions in the Taiwan Strait: The Role of US Allies

Speakers: Akio Takahara (University of Tokyo), Ja-Ian Chong (National University of Singapore)and Satu Limaye (East-West Center)Over the years, the Chinese military threat to Taiwan has escalated to the point where the United States has to think seriously about how much it is willing to invest in the defense of Taiwan and how - and even if - it would be able to do so. The US-led alliances come into the picture in at least two, closely related ways: First, what would it mean for our allies if the US were to give up on defending Taiwan? Would our allies' confidence in the US be shaken to such a point that they might begin to think about recalibrating their strategic postures and try to accommodate China? Alternatively, do our allies fear that an overly strong commitment to Taiwanese security is needlessly undermining relations with Beijing and thus increasing instability in the region? Second, how far are US allies willing to commit to helping defend Taiwan? Are they ready to step up their security efforts and provide serious material as well as diplomatic support, or will they continue what many in the US see as a long-standing pattern of free riding? Our panel of speakers will explore these questions and examine the role of US allies in this state of affairs. FREE and OPEN to the public. Please register at https://bostonu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9nu71Msxczn9SKi

When 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024
Location Yawkey Center for Student Services, 100 Bay State Road, Room 613B