The Taiwan Issue: Exploring the Possible Standoff between QUAD and China

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the stance of the present governments in each member nation that is part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) if China invades Taiwan in the near future. However, the author wishes to state that Chinese invasion of Taiwan would not be a direct military assault but a carefully calculated machination in which the islandnation would be subdued into submission without firing a single bullet. Nevertheless, securing Taiwan’s independence would be the first formidable challenge the nations of QUAD would face since the sole mission of this union is to contain Chinese influence and expansion into the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific regions. Therefore, the research question outlying this paper is if QUAD will intervene to save Taiwan from an imminent Chinese invasion? To answer this question, this research identifies two objectives. The first is to gather information on the nature of the diplomatic relationship maintained by QUAD member states with China. The second objective on the other hand, is to explore academic and defence related material available on strategies that QUAD may apply to prevent Chinese consolidation of Taiwan. When exploring the resources available on this scenario, it appears that there are a number of factors to consider by each member state before they all agree on defending Taiwan from China. Similar for China, it is a question of whether the Communist Party of China believes that its military is capable to confront the united forces of four economic powerhouses. Nevertheless, despite the reservations of Japan, India and Australia, The United States would be compelled to come for Taiwan’s aid if USA wishes to maintain its superiority in Asia Pacific, even if it fails to prevent China ultimately consolidating Taiwan into PRC. The methodology applied on this paper was based purely on qualitative research and on secondary sources.