On Friday, November 17, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) hosted an on-the-ground seminar in Washington. The second half of the event examined how changing regional security dynamics are affecting Taiwan. The event featured leading scholars and practitioners who provided invaluable perspectives on Taiwan’s evolving security landscape. Among them were retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, Kenan Arkan of J.P. Morgan, Craig Singleton of FDD, and Phelim Kine of Politico.
This became particularly important as the pressure from China has mounted, stressing the need for the seminar’s focus on Taiwan’s strategic investments. Early this July, FDD’s China Program joined forces with Taiwan’s National Chengchi University to hold a Taipei-based tabletop exercise. They tested several modeled Chinese tactics primarily aimed at resubjugating Taiwan. This exercise operated under a specific condition: the use of no kinetic force. Conducting planning of this nature would help to identify novel and new ways that China may seek to exert influence and control.
Throughout the seminar, speakers presented expert analysis on the major takeaways from the tabletop exercise. Retired Rear Admiral Montgomery noted the significance of learning about these strategies to help shape Taiwan’s defense posture. For one, he made a case for expanding Taiwan’s deterrent posture against future aggression. He similarly called on the nation to form partnerships with other democratic countries that share America’s core democratic values.
Craig Singleton from FDD provided an excellent overview of Taiwan’s geopolitical significance. He continued to make the argument that investing in projects such as the Alaska LNG project provides significant security benefits. Singleton made the case that deeper economic connections would strengthen Taiwan’s resistance to outside pushes, especially from China.
Kenan Arkan at J.P. Morgan spoke to the economic benefits that can be generated by making those strategic investments. He showed that Taiwan is not waiting to act and is making moves now to protect its energy assets. Furthermore, this action will enhance its energy independence and fortify its competitive advantage in the global market.
In the third session, Phelim Kine of Politico shared a report on the wider implications for Taiwan’s security strategy and relationships with the international community. He emphasized the crucial role that countries like the United States can play in supporting Taiwan’s democratic governance and territorial integrity.
FDD’s seminar serves as a critical platform for discussing Taiwan’s security challenges and exploring collaborative solutions among experts and policymakers. The perspectives featured during this engaging event shed light on Taiwan’s navigation of its challenging geopolitical waters. They enable the nation to project its power in defense of its interests and sovereignty.