The U.S. employs a strategy of strategic ambiguity to create uncertainty for both Taipei and Beijing, which helps prevent military aggression from China and independence declarations from Taiwan.

Abandoning Taiwan would severely damage U.S. credibility with its allies and could lead to a transition from Pax Americana to Pax Sinica in the Indo-Pacific.

Legally, the United States is mandated by a 1979 Congressional law to provide military support to Taipei and to ensure peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Japan has openly expressed support for Taiwan, increased its defense spending, and is actively involved in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Australia, India, and the U.S.

Taiwan plays a pivotal role in international trade, particularly due to its leadership in the semiconductor industry and its strategic geographic location.

Despite economic interdependence between Taiwan and mainland China, differing political systems complicate efforts toward unification.

While the People's Republic of China advocates for peaceful unification with Taiwan, its increased military capabilities have raised concerns about a potential military annexation.

The primary objective of the United States is to forge a robust coalition of allies to deter any military intervention by mainland China against Taiwan.

The U.S. maintains a significant presence in the first island chain, and any forced unification of Taiwan could shift American influence to the second island chain, thereby enhancing China's power in the Indo-Pacific region.

A crisis in the Taiwan Strait poses a threat to vital maritime trade routes, which could have far-reaching implications for global commerce.

For mainland China, Taiwan is regarded as a core interest, leading to the enactment of the 2005 anti-secession law aimed at deterring any declaration of independence by Taiwan.

The growing military capabilities of China have raised alarms in Washington and among its allies, including Australia and the UK, who are part of the AUKUS military pact aimed at countering Chinese influence.