On September 6, 2024, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) chaired a roundtable discussion titled 'Global Ties; Local Impact: Why Taiwan Matters for California' at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California. The event aimed to advocate for closer diplomatic ties between the United States and Taiwan, emphasizing the critical role Taiwan plays in California's economy and the potential threats posed by China. Kim, who is also the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, warned that aggressive Chinese actions towards Taiwan could devastate California's high-tech industries. [d6243878]
California ranks second in the U.S. for exports to Taiwan, making the state particularly invested in the economic dynamics of this partnership. During the roundtable, Representative Jay Obernolte (CA-23) stressed that Taiwan should be treated like other countries, highlighting the limitations on U.S. leaders' formal engagement with Taipei. Local Taiwanese businesses, such as Din Tai Fung and 85°C Bakery Cafe, have made substantial contributions to California's economy, further underscoring the importance of fostering strong ties with Taiwan. [d6243878]
Danny Chen, an immigration attorney, noted a trend of Taiwanese companies onshoring to the U.S., indicating a shift in business strategies that could bolster local economies. However, Lanhee Chen, a political analyst, warned that escalating military actions from China could have dire economic consequences for Southern California, emphasizing the need for proactive measures in U.S.-Taiwan relations. [d6243878]
This roundtable reflects a growing bipartisan consensus in Congress regarding the necessity of strengthening U.S.-Taiwan relations amidst geopolitical tensions. The discussions align with broader initiatives to enhance economic cooperation, including recent legislative efforts aimed at establishing a double taxation avoidance agreement, which remains a critical issue for many businesses operating across the Pacific. [ede44223] [699930aa] [7ad015dd] [215022b7]
In a parallel development, experts at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on September 12, 2024, identified Taiwan as the primary issue affecting U.S.-China relations. Lieutenant General He Lei remarked that the U.S. aims to dominate and suppress China, creating a 'fundamental contradiction' in their relationship. Wu Xinbo from Fudan University echoed this sentiment, stating that the U.S. is increasingly 'playing the Taiwan card,' which undermines the one-China policy. All parties involved are reportedly preparing for a worst-case scenario amidst these tensions. [c332aa07]
Military ties between the U.S. and China have seen improvements recently, following heightened tensions after Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022. However, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan continue to be a significant concern for Beijing. Notably, the Philippines did not attend the forum amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, highlighting the broader regional implications of the Taiwan issue. [c332aa07]
Adding to the discourse, former U.S. diplomat Susan Thornton emphasized that Taiwan is the only issue that could potentially lead to war between Washington and Beijing. She noted that while U.S.-China competition is manageable, the rising pressures from Beijing on Taiwan could lead to miscommunication and crises. Thornton advocates for clearer communication channels and ongoing high-level exchanges to stabilize relations, warning against conflating China-Russia ties with U.S.-China relations. She believes that the competition should not be viewed as existential and encourages more people-to-people exchanges to foster understanding. [f3fbfd99]