U.S., Pacific Islands Summit Strengthen Partnership, Experts Say Will Help Taiwan Protect Diplomatic Ties

Jacob Stokes, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security, a think tank in Washington, believes that if the United States can compete with China for influence in the Pacific, it will always help Taiwan's diplomatic space. 'While it's not primarily aimed at Taiwan, I think U.S. engagement can certainly compete with China's engagement with Pacific island nations, and over time will also help Taiwan, including protecting its diplomatic allies.'

Stokes said Taiwan should have a role to play in the U.S. partnership with the Pacific island nations, since Taiwan already assists its allies in many related areas.

'That's one of the ways they've maintained those friendly nations to this day. They've been able to meet a lot of the needs that those islands are facing, and those needs are around health issues, building infrastructure, and all those public interest and development issues. So I'm sure it will There is a role.'

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