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The Real Threat to Taiwan

Foreign Affairs | 2026-04-29 | china_indopacific

Topics: AI, China, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Taiwan, Trade, Ukraine, United States

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English Summary

The primary threat to Taiwan is not a traditional military invasion, but rather a sophisticated 'gray zone' coercion utilizing economic and logistical control, such as establishing a quarantine over maritime and air links. China is leveraging this control to restrict key exports, particularly advanced semiconductor components, thereby forcing regional compliance without triggering a full-scale conflict. Consequently, the U.S. must shift its strategic focus from preparing for military war games to developing integrated economic and diplomatic plans with allies. Deterring a severe financial and political crisis requires pre-coordinated responses to cushion market shocks and manage potential partial decoupling from China.

中文摘要

威脅台灣的首要風險並非傳統的軍事入侵,而是利用經濟和後勤控制的複雜「灰色地帶」施壓。例如,實施對海空連結的封鎖。中國正利用這種控制來限制關鍵出口,特別是先進的半導體元件,從而迫使區域遵守其要求,而無需引發全面衝突。因此,美國必須將其戰略重點從準備軍事戰備演習,轉向與盟友制定整合性的經濟和外交計畫。為預防嚴重的金融和政治危機,需要提前協調的應對措施,以緩解市場衝擊並管理潛在的與中國的部分脫鉤風險。

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