Majority of Taiwanese Doubt US Military Intervention: Poll
Survey shows 57% don't believe Washington would send troops if war broke out in Taiwan Strait
Quick Look
- A poll by Taipei's Democracy Foundation reveals growing scepticism among Taiwanese about US security guarantees.
- 57% of respondents don't believe the US would send troops if war erupts in the Taiwan Strait, risking conflict with China.
- Only under 25% believe Washington would provide military help.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The poll reflects growing scepticism in Taiwan about US willingness to risk direct conflict with China, amid heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The findings come as Beijing increases military pressure on the island.
The results highlighted mounting scepticism on the island over Washington's security guarantees, according to the survey released on Monday by the Taipei-based Democracy Foundation. The poll found that 57 per cent of respondents did not believe the US would send troops to defend the island if war broke out in the Taiwan Strait – and thereby risk direct conflict with mainland China. Less than a quarter said they believed Washington would help militarily. Asked if US forces could provide timely and effective military assistance in a crisis, 55.6 per cent said no – versus 31.5 per cent who believed they could. Confidence in US-made weapons was equally low: 49 per cent lacked faith in their defensive power, while just over a third expressed confidence.
Open Questions
- What specific methodology was used in the poll?
- How has this scepticism changed over time?
- Will Taiwan increase its own defense spending?
