Structural Tensions Over Taiwan Highlight Flaws in US-China Strategic Stability Framework
Original framing: “Taiwan casts long shadow over Trump’s summit with Xi” — South China Morning Post
The current tensions over Taiwan echo earlier colonial-era conflicts, such as the Dutch and Spanish presence in the 17th century and Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945. These historical layers reveal how external powers have repeatedly used Taiwan as a strategic foothold in the region.
The current framing of Taiwan as a test of U.S.-China relations is a reductive narrative that obscures the deeper structural forces at play.
Indigenous perspectives, historical context, and cross-cultural understandings of sovereignty are essential for a more nuanced analysis. The militarization of the region, driven by U.S. strategic interests and China’s geopolitical ambitions, continues to marginalize local voices and destabilize the broader Indo-Pacific. A systemic solution requires not only diplomatic engagement but also a reimagining of sovereignty that includes civil society and indigenous knowledge. By integrating these dimensions, we can move toward a more just and sustainable regional order.