TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US should not give in to isolationism, but remain committed to helping Taiwan defend against China, former US Vice President Mike Pence and The Heritage Foundation founder Ed Feulner said in a Washington Post opinion article published Wednesday (Aug. 21). 

America’s partnership with Taiwan has been “a cornerstone” of US policy in the Indo-Pacific, Pence and Feulner argued. “Taiwan is a crucial barrier to the expansion of communist influence in the region,” they said.

However, the two pointed out the increasing isolationist sentiment within the Republican Party that supports abandoning Taiwan and other allies. These views ignore the strategic goals that have guided American foreign policy since World War II, they said. “Distance has no bearing on our responsibility to safeguard American interests.”

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would disrupt the global semiconductor supply, as the nation produces over 90% of the world’s advanced chips. This could lead to a worldwide economic recession or depression, they said, adding that even if the supply chain remained intact, China could take control over Taiwan’s semiconductor plants and “force its will” on other countries.

The two also suggested that if the US were to ditch its Indo-Pacific alliances, a Chinese-controlled Taiwan could incite a nuclear arms race between major powers and even amongst small Asian nations concerned about Chinese aggression. 

“We cannot afford to be led astray by the isolationists, who promise the illusion of peace but guarantee the reality of a more dangerous world,” they said.

Last week, Pence’s non-profit organization Advancing American Freedom issued a memorandum arguing that supporting Taiwan is in US national interests. The former vice president’s stance comes as the Republican Party noticeably omitted any mention of Taiwan in its 2024 platform despite having done so in previous years.