Taiwan is only reliant on the U.S. because their neighbor threatens them with invasion frequently

> If we face the reality: Taiwan is a vassal state. The decision makers are simply owned by the US.

The thing about US "vassel" states is they don't have to do what the US says. And sometimes won't!

It's a classic Russian talking point that Ukraine has no agency. You're making the same argument for Taiwan.

Taiwan doesn't have to accept a US deal they don't like. They could build nukes. They could opt to do nothing and run the risk of invasion.

It's a democracy, Taiwan has agency. Even if, they have good reasons to make friends with the US.

> The thing about US "vassel" states is they don't have to do what the US says. And sometimes won't!

Yes, and then the US will force its way. It's quite funny that you even mentioned nukes. Taiwan did attempt to build nukes and the US destroyed the project.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/01/asia/taiwan-cia-informant...

>Taiwan did attempt to build nukes and the US destroyed the project.

US loves Taiwan so much, they won't allow them to build independence and rely less on US provided security.

> Taiwan did attempt to build nukes and the US destroyed the project

We “destroyed” it inasmuch as we said we won’t be friends if you do this. We didn’t threaten to invade.

America has resisted geopolitical balancing to date because we resisted the temptation of realpolitik. America’s allies are, on average, richer and more peaceful than her enemies. That’s now beginning to change. For the first time in modern history, we may see a system of alliances emerge that credibly counter American economic and military might.

> For the first time in modern history, we may see a system of alliances emerge that credibly counter American economic and military might.

During the cold war, there were certainly planners in the west that thought the west would loose a conflict.

So maybe not the first time.

Sorry, I should have said post-Cold War. The USSR obviously credibly countered the U.S.

>Taiwan doesn't have to accept a US deal they don't like.

Unless its leaders and ruling class are owned by US. It wouldn't be the first time US is directing some puppet governments.

Kind of a random fact but speaking of “owned by the US” many of the leaders and ruling class hold US citizenship too.

The west isn't full of US puppet governments. That's just propaganda.

Most of us like the US. And we knowingly elect politicians who will promote a good relationship with the US.

A democracy yes but what percentage of Taiwanese media are in the pockets of NED and USAID? That, and the fact "feel good" narratives of idealism sell better than the cold hard reality of power struggles, dominance, control, and backroom dealings. Taiwanese polities suffer from some of the same issues US voters are familiar with - a choice of lesser evil from bad candidates, unaccountability of politicians once elected, polarized media and electorate, etc etc. All great features not bugs from the standpoint of someone (a lot of someones, both Chinese and US interests) seeking to divide and conquer from the outside