The United States’ top diplomat at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) stated on Wednesday (September 4th) that the United States is establishing an alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the regional threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He also emphasized that Taiwan is not the sole target of Beijing’s attempts to alter the status quo.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Taiwan, the United States remains Taiwan’s most crucial supporter and supplier of military equipment. Raymond Greene, the newly appointed Director of the AIT, reiterated on Wednesday the United States’ unwavering support for Taiwan, stating that the support is “rock solid, with clear principles and bipartisan consensus.” He underscored that the U.S. will continue to fulfill its commitments to ensure Taiwan’s ability to defend itself and resist threats from the CCP.
“We are establishing an alliance network in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance our deterrent capabilities,” he said during a press conference in Taipei. He pointed out that Taiwan is not the only target of the CCP’s attempts to alter the status quo, and more countries are joining forces to uphold the rules-based international system.
Greene noted that these efforts, along with Taiwan’s investments in defense and “impressive” military reforms, are aimed at preventing war rather than preparing for it.
According to reports by Reuters, Greene delivered his remarks in Mandarin. He stated, “Promoting strategic balance in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region will facilitate peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes between the parties.”
In recent years, the CCP has intensified military and political pressure, forcing Taiwan—a democracy—to accept its sovereignty claims and conducting military exercises around Taiwan following President Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration.
Greene also mentioned that the United States does not rule out the possibility of co-producing weapons with Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan’s defense needs are a top priority for U.S. arms deliveries.
“The U.S. is currently working with several partners to explore expanding our joint production of military goods, and I do not rule out Taiwan becoming one of the cooperation partners in the future,” Greene said, without disclosing further details.
Despite the CCP never renouncing the use of force to “unify” Taiwan, the Taiwan government vows self-defense and staunchly rejects the CCP’s sovereignty claims.
Greene assumed office in July. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. According to the Associated Press, Greene stated that since 2010, the executive branch has informed Congress about implementing around $38.4 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including over $6.4 billion during the Biden administration and equivalent to $345 million in transfers of existing U.S. inventory.
Upgraded new F-16 jet fighters, Abrams tanks, and other equipment have already arrived or are in the pipeline, with Taiwan expanding its indigenous weapons production, including submarines and surface-to-air missiles.
Greene stated that the U.S. will continue to resist any form of force or coercion by the CCP against Taiwan and mentioned the Taiwan Relations Act to further emphasize support for Taiwan.
He also mentioned that the U.S. is collaborating with Taiwan to enhance its emergency response capabilities, another key mission of the Tsai Ing-wen government, including strengthening Taiwan’s capacity in communication, cybersecurity, and energy resilience.
“We look forward to assisting Taiwan in utilizing its expertise to address a variety of issues ranging from natural disasters to combating potential threats,” he said.