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Image source, Carl Court / Getty Images
Ms. Thai Anh Van was sworn in as President of Taiwan.
The United States has cracked down on Taiwan’s security policy, as Washington seeks to grapple with what it sees as China’s growing tendency to use force against the island.
The Reagan-era policy decipherment is possibly the latest step by the United States in the campaign to hold Beijing accountable for everything from the detention of Uighurs in Xinjiang. to the imposition of strict security laws in Hong Kong.
The first telegram, sent on July 10, 1982 by the then United States Secretary of State, then Lawrence Eagleburger to then AIT Director James Lilley, provided an American interpretation of the 1982 Joint Statement, regarding the sale. arms from the United States to Taiwan.
The telegram explained that the United States’ willingness to reduce arms sales to Taiwan depends on China’s continued commitment to a peaceful resolution of the cross-strait dispute. Also, if China becomes more hostile, the United States will increase arms sales to Taiwan.
The text indicates that the main concern of the United States is to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and, therefore, the quantity and quality of the arms supplied to Taiwan will depend entirely on the threat from Beijing. The memorandum concludes by offering “this final guarantee: the sale of US arms to Taiwan will continue.”
These same ideas were reiterated in an internal presidential memorandum drafted by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1982, which served as a guide for the United States’ interpretation of the 1982 Joint Communiqué.
The second telegram, sent on August 17, 1982, from then-US Secretary of State George Shultz to then-AIT Director Lilley, gave Taiwan six guarantees, reinforcing the message en en. In general the United States:
– They have not agreed to set a date to end arms sales to Taiwan.
– They have not agreed to consult with China on the sale of arms to Taiwan.
– Will not play a mediating role between Taipei and Beijing
– They have not agreed to amend the Law on Relations with Taiwan.
– Do not change your position on sovereignty over Taiwan.
– It will not pressure Taiwan to negotiate with China.
“Six Guarantees” is a fundamental element of US policy toward Taiwan and China.
The decision to declassify every detail of the policy, including the Six Guarantees that President Ronald Reagan gave to Taipei in 1982, came after a call from defense experts, former officials and Radio supporters. Taiwan in Congress, leaving the United States to make a clear commitment to bailing out Taiwan if it is attacked by China.
David Stilwell, the top Asia official at the State Department, said this was in part a response to the “growing threat” China poses to the Asia-Pacific region, illustrated by the unilateral decision to impose draconian security laws. national in Hong Kong.
