TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The White House’s newly released National Security Strategy reaffirms that the US does not support any unilateral action to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

The report argued that the most reliable way to prevent major conflict is for the US to preserve long-term economic and technological advantages, per CNA. Those advantages must be reinforced by a balance of conventional military power.

Taiwan’s strategic value was highlighted not only for its semiconductor industry but for its position along the First Island Chain. The report noted that one-third of global shipping passes through nearby sea lanes that would be vulnerable in a conflict.

“The US does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait,” the paper said, noting that Washington will stop aggression along the First Island Chain.

Regarding partners, it said the US military cannot bear this burden alone and needs stronger contributions. It called on allies to raise defense budgets and assume collective-defense roles.

The paper also warned that control of the South China Sea by a strategic competitor could mean forced transit fees. This could allow unilateral closures of shipping lanes, harming US economic interests.

The report concluded that preventing conflict requires high readiness across the Indo-Pacific, renewed strength in the US defense industrial base, and increased military spending by Washington and its allies.