Analyzing Taiwan’s Strategic Position in the Geopolitical Rivalry Between China and the United States
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61438/bsrqj.v3i2.170Keywords:
Strategic Ambiguity, Taiwan, Geopolitical Rivalry, One China PolicyAbstract
Taiwan has emerged as a central flashpoint in the geopolitical rivalry between the People's Republic of China and the United States—a contest not merely over the future of an island, but over the redefinition of regional and global order. The core research question is how Taiwan, beyond being a regional actor, has evolved into a pivotal factor shaping the strategic and security policies of the two great powers. This study hypothesizes that Taiwan’s geostrategic location and its politically sensitive sovereignty status have made it a focal point of conflicting interests, placing it at the heart of the Indo-Pacific geopolitical competition. The research methodology is analytical-explanatory, based on library research, academic articles, and reputable sources. Findings indicate that Taiwan lies at the center of the strategic confrontation between China and the United States. China, grounded in the “One China” principle and the national vision of “Great Rejuvenation,” views the assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan not merely as a national objective but as a prerequisite for establishing a new Asian order led by Beijing. Conversely, the United States, gradually shifting from a policy of “strategic ambiguity” to more explicit deterrence, seeks to use Taiwan as a frontline buffer to maintain the regional balance of power, secure vital maritime routes, and prevent the expansion of China’s military influence. Located along the “First Island Chain,” Taiwan plays a crucial role in the containment of China. Thus, the competition over Taiwan represents a clear manifestation of the broader geopolitical struggle to reshape the regional and global order.
References
Ajili, H., & Rezaei, N. (2018). Defensive and Offensive Realism (A Theoretical Framework for Analyzing Events and Developments in the Persian Gulf). Journal of National Security, 8(27), 165–198. https://ns.sndu.ac.ir/article_167_59336c01d3026f386667a7572d1d0ca0.pdf?lang=en
Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the PRC. (2012). Map. First and Second Island Chains. https://www.960cyber.afrc.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002873877/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Ansary Kargar, A. (2023). Explaining the Reference of the International Community and Global Society for Protests in the International System. Ghalib scientific-research quarterly, 12(3), 165–181. https://doi.org/10.58342/ghalibqj.V.12.I.3.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58342/ghalibqj.V.12.I.3.11
Ansary Kargar, A. A. (2025). An Analysis of Recent Global Developments in the International Order (2001–2024). Baharestan Scientific Research Quarterly Journal, 2(3), 21–40. https://doi.org/10.61438/bsrqj.v2i3.118 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61438/bsrqj.v2i3.118
Chiang, F. (2018). Chapter 10—US Policy on Taiwan. In F. Chiang (Ed.), The One-China Policy: State, Sovereignty, and Taiwan’s International Legal Status (pp. 305–316). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102314-3.00010-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102314-3.00010-0
Eslami, R., & Ansary Kargar, A. (2024). Taliban and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Impact on the Politics and Economy. Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal, 30(125), 121–158. http://ca.ipisjournals.ir/article_714201_0ba210414709d19c0d324b8e352dc16c.pdf?lang=en
Ghavam, S. A.-A. (2013). Principle of Foreign Policy and International Politics. SAMT.
iranchinaejob.ir. (2023, June 21). Everything About the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The New and Modern Silk Road—China Express. https://iranchinaejob.ir/bri/
Joel Atkinson. (2015). Development Assistance and Geopolitics in Australia-China-Taiwan Relations. Asian International Studies Review, 16(2), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.16934/ISR.16.2.201512.1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.16934/isr.16.2.201512.1
Kaimova, A. S., & Denisov, I. E. (2023). Status of Taiwan and the evolution of Taiwanese identity. Comparative Politics Russia, 13(1–2), 116–138. https://doi.org/10.46272/2221-3279-2022-1-2-13-116-138 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46272/2221-3279-2022-1-2-13-116-138
Lee, K.-C. (2024). Measuring Public Preferences for Strategic Choices in an Era of Great Power Competition: Taiwan as a Case Study. Issues & Studies, 60(02), 2450006. https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013251124500061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S1013251124500061
Mersheimer, J. (2011). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (Q. Cheginizadeh, Trans.; 3th ed.). Institute for Political and International Studies.
Morgenthau, H. J. (2014). Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace (H. Moshirzadeh, Trans.; 5th ed.). Publications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Qiang, X., & Wang, J. (2023). Parallel Perceptions: Divergent Perspectives of the United States and China on the Taiwan Issue and Risky Implications. China Review, 23, 41–76.
Raheel, M., Shaukat, B., & Gul, S. (2024). Understanding the US-China Clashes over Taiwan and the Battle for Chip Technology. Global Strategic & Securities Studies Review, IX(I), 28–43. https://doi.org/10.31703/gsssr.2024(IX-I).03 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31703/gsssr.2024(IX-I).03
Sadeghi, M., Keshishyan Siraki, G., & Ghaedi, M. (2024). NATO Expansion to the East: Military and Security Cooperation of NATO Members with neighbors China and Russia (2013-2023). International Relations Researches, 13(4), 143–173. https://doi.org/10.22034/irr.2024.444222.2510
Sadibaqosev, H. (2024). THE TAIWAN PROBLEM IN CHINA-USA RELATIONS. The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 06(05), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume06Issue05-03 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume06Issue05-03
Stošić, S. (2023). The nature of China and Taiwan conflicting relations. Politika Nacionalne Bezbednosti, 24(1), 107–130. https://doi.org/10.5937/pnb24-44065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/pnb24-44065
Torkameh, A., Hafeznia, M., Roumina, E., & Ahmadypoor, Z. (2022). A Critical Realist Reading of Critical Geopolitics. Geopolitics Quarterly, 18(1), 1–43.
US-Taiwan Business Council. (2024). Taiwan Arms Sales Notified to Congress 1990-2024 | Taiwan Defense & Security. https://www.ustaiwandefense.com/taiwan-arms-sales-notified-to-congress-1990-2024/
Waldron, A. (2012). Political Aspects of Taiwan’s Security in a New Asian Environment. Orbis, 56(3), 447–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orbis.2012.05.010 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orbis.2012.05.010
Yousefi, M., & Habibi, R. (2022). Analysis of Russian Strategic Documents (National Security Strategy, Military Doctrine and Foreign Policy Concept). Interdisciplinary Studies on Strategic Knowledge, 6(23), 235–262.
