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The Security Dilemma in US-China Relations in the Context of Taiwan in Recent Years

In recent years, the security dilemma in US-China relations has become increasingly acute. China has been rapidly modernizing its military, and it has been conducting increasingly aggressive military exercises around Taiwan. The United States, in response, has increased its military presence in the region and has strengthened its ties with Taiwan.

This cycle of action and reaction has created a vicious circle, with each side feeling increasingly threatened by the other. China fears that the United States is trying to prevent it from reunifying with Taiwan, while the United States fears that China is becoming too powerful and aggressive.

The Role of the Security Dilemma in the Choices and Outcomes of the Involved Parties

The security dilemma plays a significant role in the choices and outcomes of the involved parties in the US-China-Taiwan triangle.

China

China is motivated by a desire to achieve national reunification, which it sees as a core national interest. It also fears that the United States is trying to encircle China and prevent it from rising as a global power.

China’s response to the security dilemma has been to rapidly modernize its military and to increase its military presence in the Taiwan Strait. China has also been trying to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and to pressure it economically.

United States

The United States is motivated by a desire to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and to prevent China from becoming a hegemonic power in the region. The United States is also concerned about protecting Taiwan’s democracy and its way of life.

The United States’ response to the security dilemma has been to increase its military presence in the region and to strengthen its ties with Taiwan. The United States has also been trying to build a coalition of countries to deter China from attacking Taiwan.

Taiwan

Taiwan is motivated by a desire to maintain its de facto independence and to protect its democracy. Taiwan is also concerned about the growing threat from China.

Taiwan’s response to the security dilemma has been to strengthen its military and to deepen its ties with the United States. Taiwan has also been trying to build public support for its defense and to promote its international standing.

Evaluation of the Extent to Which the Security Dilemma Explains the Choices and Outcomes of the Involved Parties

The security dilemma provides a useful framework for understanding the choices and outcomes of the involved parties in the US-China-Taiwan triangle.

China’s rapid military modernization and its increasingly aggressive military exercises around Taiwan can be seen as a response to the perceived threat posed by the United States. The United States’ increased military presence in the region and its strengthened ties with Taiwan can be seen as a response to the perceived threat posed by China. Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its military and to deepen its ties with the United States can also be seen as a response to the perceived threat posed by China.

However, the security dilemma does not fully explain the actions and outcomes of the involved parties. For example, China’s domestic politics also play a role in its foreign policy. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is facing a number of challenges, including economic slowdown and social unrest. The CCP may be using the Taiwan issue to rally nationalist sentiment and to divert attention from domestic problems.

Alternative Explanations

Alternative explanations for the actions and outcomes of the involved parties in the US-China-Taiwan triangle include:

• Realist explanations: Realists argue that states are primarily motivated by self-interest and that they will do whatever it takes to survive and thrive. In the context of the US-China-Taiwan triangle, this means that China is likely to continue to pursue its goal of national reunification, even if it means using force. The United States is likely to continue to oppose China’s reunification with Taiwan, as it sees Taiwan as a strategic asset.

Liberal explanations: Liberalists argue that states are motivated by a variety of factors, including self-interest, norms, and values