Taiwan’s Anti-Terrorism Cannot Depend on US

U.S. President Barack Obama has listed Taiwan as an anti-terrorism ally, and now the Republic of China flag is on Islamic State group’s list of coalition countries that are against it. Taiwan is very uncomfortable about this. Some people are enthusiastic about U.S.-China-Taiwan relations, some complain about the U.S. expecting Taiwan to bear part of the cost, and others worry about becoming targets of the Islamic State group.

In fact, for a long time Taiwan has supported America’s war and anti-terrorism efforts: It has shared anti-terrorism intelligence with the U.S. and accepted U.S. anti-terrorism training, so Obama has nothing new to say about Taiwan.

However, there have been new developments in the international anti-terrorism outlook. While, in the past, China, Russia, and other countries had a borderline position with regard to anti-terrorism, in the present day they have more positive attitudes and are even taking action. What does Taiwan have to say about this? Taipei is about to host the Universiade, which is a major international event, the likes of which Taiwan has rarely hosted in recent years. While attracting athletes from around the globe, it will also attract international terrorist organizations. When the time comes, how will Taiwan face the possibility of terrorist danger?

The U.S. has not at all used its full power to attack the Islamic State group, but rather it was Russia that attacked the group’s foothold, dealing a serious blow. To become involved in U.S. activity would dig Taiwan in too deep, so Taiwan can only give the impression that it prefers to offer support from afar.

Mainland China is engaged in anti-terrorism, too. In light of this, and facing unfair double standards in its treatment by Western countries, Taiwan needs to get involved. First of all, it must consider providing supplies to mainland China, in order to display an attitude of anti-terrorism that does not choose one approach over another; it must engage in intelligence cooperation when necessary, providing substantial assistance; and it can also provide beneficial opportunities to promote political trust across the strait.

Taiwan is about to host the Universiade and there is a need for a real anti-terrorism strategy. Only by opening up to international cooperation can it avoid leaving loopholes. To secure everyone’s cooperation, Taiwan cannot depend solely on the U.S.