Joseph A. Bosco, write (Los Angeles Times, Aug 20, 2010) on the Taiwan issue, President Obama's team has unwisely perpetuated the policy of "strategic ambiguity" followed by every administration since Richard Nixon's. The author said
"It is time for U.S. clarity on Taiwan; strategic ambiguity has run its course." He added: "Washington should declare that we would defend democratic Taiwan against any Chinese attack or coercion, and that we also welcome Taiwan's participation in international organizations (starting by inviting President Ma Ying-jeou to Honolulu for the December meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group)."
But he pointed out that in return, Taiwan must forgo formal independence for now, even though that result is ultimately consistent with American values.
Joseph A. Bosco, a national security consultant, specialized in China-Taiwan-U.S. relations at Georgetown's School of Foreign Service. He worked for the China desk in Asia- Pacific Security Affairs at the office of the secretary of Defense.