Most countries do not recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan. However, they also don't officially recognize Taiwan as an independent country. This is the position of strategic ambiguity. Even the UN has failed to recognize China's sovereignty over Taiwan. Taiwan's status is an unresolved issue in international law.

As for the idea that China has no expansionist views in East Asia, that's not supported by the facts. From Taiwan to the South China Sea to the Senkaku Islands, China has made aggressive territorial claims and has conducted coercive actions below the threshold of war to assert control. These actions aren't defensive - they're strategic moves to reshape the regional order. If the US fails to respond meaningfully, it risks undermining its alliances and ceding East Asia to Chinese dominance.

Bottom line: The U.S. must carefully consider how much political capital it’s willing to spend to prevent Chinese hegemony in East Asia and what the fallout will be if it fails.