As long as the U.S. relies on Taiwan for the semiconductors that power modern life, GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy will view it as an independent country, he explained in an interview.
American politicians adopted a “One China” policy after President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to the communist country to normalize relations with them.
Although U.S. politicians pledge to defend the island of Taiwan, they cloak assurances in ambiguity that stops short of declaring the island a nation separate from the People’s Republic of China.
Former President Donald Trump was lambasted by members of both political parties for accepting a telephone call from Taiwan’s president shortly after Trump’s inauguration because they feared China’s reaction.
Ramaswamy emphasized his commitment to Taiwan during his appearance on Fox News, stating unequivocally that he would not hand the nation “over to China.”
In an August 14 interview with Hugh Hewitt, Ramaswamy mentioned the U.S.’s stance on Taiwan might evolve once the country becomes self-sufficient in semiconductor production. He advocated for the U.S. to “declare independence” from China in February.
“You’ve said that you’d fully back Taiwan until the U.S. becomes independent with semiconductors,” said “America Reports” host John Robert. “So what happens after that point? Do we just give Taiwan to China?”
Ramaswamy responded by declaring that is not his position.
“So, John, that’s how my position again has been caricatured,” Ramaswamy said. “Let’s get real here.”
“I did not say we would hand them over to China.”
Ramaswamy explained America’s prevailing “One China” policy.
“Both Republicans and Democrats, every other Republican in this race embraces the One China policy, strategic ambiguity, refusing to call Taiwan a nation,” Ramaswamy said.
“I think that’s insufficient,” the presidential candidate added. “I think we have to be crystal clear that we will defend Taiwan. They provide the chips that power our modern way of life.”
The long-shot candidate said the U.S. could resume the current status quo of strategic ambiguity after the U.S. becomes self-sufficient in the manufacture of computer chips.
According to data from TrendForce in 2021, Taiwan produces 63% of the world’s semiconductors. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company accounts for 54% of global semiconductor production.
“The fact of the matter is the current U.S. establishment in both parties, including the Republican Party, does not even recognize Taiwan as a nation right now,” Ramaswamy said.
“One China is our policy,” he continued. “So, John, that’s actually a caricature, it’s laughable to say that when I’m saying Taiwan is a nation, that we actually will defend it until and unless we have semiconductor independence, and then we resume the status quo.”
“That’s honest, that’s clear, and that is actually a more strong Taiwan posture than either party has offered.”
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