The ongoing tensions between Taiwan and The People’s Republic of China date back to the 50s. The U.S. has become involved in the conflict to help protect Taiwan’s young democracy, but they’ve been vague about what exactly their response would be if China invaded the island nation. Robert Murret, professor of practice at Syracuse University's Maxwell School said the approach is known as “strategic ambiguity.”
In light of China's reaction to Pelosi's visit, Murrett suggested the U.S. work to avoid any further conflict, as the relationship between the two countries is already tense.
“This is an issue that has been managed and not solved because it’s one of those things that can’t be solved, quite frankly. The policy of “strategic ambiguity” is called that for a reason. And I think it’s certainly in the interest of both China and the United States to manage this and to lower the temperature as much as we possibly can because a conflict over Taiwan is not in their interest and it’s not in our interest,” Murrett said.
There’s evidence that China is already preparing for retaliation and Murret said he suspects this will happen.
“I would expect the Chinese response probably in terms of military and potentially cyber and other measures, but hopefully it will be measured and calibrated in such a way that we’ll be able to continue our engagement with them. And it’ll probably be aimed at a domestic audience in China,” Murrett said.
Just last week President Joe Biden had a long phone callwith China’s President Xi Jinping. Murret says interactions like these need to continue to keep tensions at bay.
“What needs to be done is we need to continue constructive engagement as well we possibly can because we do have significant disagreements on diplomatic issues, economic issues, and even military issues with China,” Murrett said.