On Monday, a Chinese naval training ship arrived in Pearl Harbor for a port visit. US and Chinese officers are engaging in a series of dialogues during the exchange, while sailors from both countries participate in social activities and sporting events. Opinions differ on whether such visits are useful or appropriate—certainly, the US Navy believes them to be valuable.
But at the very least, the Zheng He’s visit should call attention to the fact that Taiwan’s naval vessels do not engage in port calls at Pearl Harbor (or at any other US bases)—and it’s not for lack of interest from the Republic of China Navy.
Chinese citizens wave the US and China flag as the Liberation Army-Navy ship Qingdao arrives in Hawaii for a scheduled port visit in September 2013. Petty Officer 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Flickr (CC-BY-2.0)
It certainly makes sense for US sailors to learn about their Chinese counterparts—how they think and how they operate. But such exchanges are arguably even more important when it comes to Taiwan, an island US forces may one day be called upon to defend.
Given the deteriorating security outlook in Asia and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s apparent impatience to tackle a number of regional challenges, including its relationship with Taipei, it’s past time for the United States to rethink its approach to Taiwan.
Imposing artificial restrictions on interactions with Taiwan, as much as they might please Beijing, do not contribute to stability in the Taiwan Strait. Rather, preparing for the worst—by talking to, training with, and operating alongside Taiwan’s military—is the best way to ensure that the worst does not come about.
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