Will the U.S. Oppose the Will of the Taiwanese People?

On Tuesday, the legislative branch of Taiwan’s government plans to amend the law to restrict the import of certain offal — ground meat containing beef waste products. In response, the U.S. issued a strongly worded statement and Taiwanese politicians now fear repercussions. However, I hold a different opinion.

When U.S. President Woodrow Wilson initially proposed the idea of a League of Nations, the U.S. was prevented from joining it by Congress, a legislative body established to represent the will of the people. So punishing Taiwan for the actions of its legislative branch would be equivalent to opposing the will of the people, which would only stir up anti-American sentiment and drive Taiwan into the arms of China.

Some call Taiwan the U.S.’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier,” and to alienate it would not only make the U.S. lose prestige and credibility with an ally, but would push their front line in the Pacific back to Hawai’i. U.S. interests in Taiwan are something its leaders can not afford to overlook.

Of course, the U.S did cause a great deal of backlash in trying to intimidate and pressure Taiwan prior to its final decision. But the law is going to be amended according to the will of the people and I do not believe that the U.S. will retaliate beyond empty posturing.