U.S. Remains Committed to First Island Chain Deterrence: MAC Official

Taipei: The United States remains committed to maintaining deterrence along the first island chain, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung stated on Friday. Shen emphasized that Taiwan maintains close communication with the U.S., receiving messages indicating that the deterrence policy along the first island chain remains a priority for the U.S. According to Focus Taiwan, Shen made these remarks during a seminar in Taipei, organized by National Chengchi University's Institute of International Relations. The seminar focused on developments in China and the country's outlook following the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) 20th National Congress in 2022. Shen highlighted the importance of observing whether U.S. President Donald Trump and his team will reiterate Washington's unchanged Taiwan policy during a second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24. Shen's comments followed a warning by former National Security Council Secretary-General Su Chi, who noted rising risks i n the Taiwan Strait due to changes in U.S. security commitments to Taiwan and Beijing's increasing urgency over Taiwan. Su expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Washington announcing new arms sales to Taiwan, suggesting that Beijing would react strongly to such a move in connection with the Trump-Xi meeting. Su advised Taiwan not to rely solely on external powers for its security, urging consideration of political measures to reduce cross-strait tensions. In contrast, Shen expressed a more optimistic viewpoint, stating, "I am not as pessimistic as Su Chi." He also clarified Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's statement about Taiwan and the U.S. "jointly managing China," explaining it as managing risks rather than managing China itself. Shen assured that Taiwan possesses the resolve and capabilities to collaborate with Washington to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, deterring Beijing from using force to alter the status quo. He also touched on the upcoming fifth plenary session of the CC P's 20th Central Committee, indicating that the MAC had prepared for various scenarios and would update its assessments of personnel changes as developments unfold. Shen noted the significance of next year's 21st National Congress, where major personnel decisions, including those regarding Xi's tenure, could be finalized.