American defense of Taiwan

American defense of Taiwan refers to the policy by which the United States provides military aid, security assurances, and diplomatic support to help Taiwan safeguard its national security. This policy began with the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of China between the United States and the Republic of China (ROC) in 1954. However, after the United States established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (RRC) in 1979, the treaty was unilaterally terminated by the U.S. It was subsequently replaced by the Taiwan Relations Act, a domestic U.S. law.

Under the U.S. defense commitment to Taiwan, the United States provides defensive weapons, intelligence sharing, military training, military advisors, and other forms of support to Taiwan. The Federal government of the United States also supports Taiwan's participation in international matters, such as inviting Taiwanese delegations to attend President of the United States inaugurations.

The American defense of Taiwan commitment to Taiwan has broad support within Taiwan, but it is opposed by the government of the People's Republic of China. Mainland China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China and opposes any foreign military intervention in Taiwan's affairs. In recent years, pressure and threats from mainland China toward Taiwan have intensified, drawing international attention.

In April 2001, POTUS George W. Bush publicly announced the American defense of Taiwan. In 2017, the National Security Council introduced the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which, in the event of armed conflict between the United States and the People's Republic of China, includes "defending countries in the first island chain, including Taiwan." This framework was approved by President Donald Trump in 2018. In February 2021, United States Congress reintroduced the "Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act," which aims to legally authorize the U.S. president to use limited force to defend Taiwan if necessary.