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0 pointsmc105y ago0 comments

> Semiconductors helps keep Taiwan from China's encroachment because it buys them protection from allies like the US and Europe, whose economies heavily rely on them.

Are there any signed agreements that would enforce this? If China one day suddenly decides to take Taiwan, would the US or Europe step in with military forces?

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davish5y ago

The closest I've found is this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan_Relations_Act

Not guaranteed "mutual defense" of any sort, but the US at least has committed itself to helping Taiwan protect itself with military aid. The section on "Military provisions" is probably most helpful.

credit_guy5y ago

China's GDP is projected to surpass the US GDP in 2026 [1]. After that it won't be long until the Chinese defense spending will surpass the US one. And after that, it won't be long until the US and its allies will realize it will be healthy for them to mind their own business when China takes over Taiwan.

[1] https://fortune.com/2021/01/18/chinas-2020-gdp-world-no-1-ec...

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wwtrv5y ago

There are no official agreements since neither US nor any major European countries recognize Taiwan/ROC but US has declared multiple times that they would defend Taiwan (see ‘ Taiwan Relations Act’ & Six Assurances’)

brobinson5y ago

Not an agreement, but the US stance towards the defense of Taiwan (ROC) was recently declassified early: https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/01/15/declass...

koheripbal5y ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan_Relations_Act

> The Taiwan Relations Act does not guarantee the USA will intervene militarily if the PRC attacks or invades Taiwan

samus5y ago

It would not be wise to commit to intervene in all circumstances. Similarly, also the NATO treaties do not specify in detail how the allies have to react in case of an attack.

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