What Do the Taiwanese Want?

Strengthening relations with the United States would bolster Taiwan’s security. The United States is a major supplier of weapons to Taiwan, and the country most likely to come to its aid in the event of a mainland invasion. However, closer relations with the United States could also exacerbate tensions with the PRC, thereby endangering Taiwan. In the worst case scenario, closer ties between the United States  and Taiwan could convince mainland Chinese officials to act on unification sooner, rather than later—before American commitments solidify.