In the backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States, China, and Taiwan, political scientist Turab Rzayev sheds light on the complexities shaping the regional power dynamics.
During an interview with Ednews, Turab Rzayev emphasized Taiwan's strategic significance, stating, "Taiwan is perceived as the weakest link in the region, a territory claimed by China. China's control over Taiwan, which holds sway over 70 percent of the semiconductor industry, could disrupt global chip trade."
Rzayev underscored the heightened US focus on the Western Pacific, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait in recent times, noting the emergence of a formidable military rival to the United States. "China's rapid military expansion, including the construction of artificial islands and military installations in the region, presents a significant challenge," he remarked.
With China bolstering its ground forces and advancing technologically, Rzayev pointed out its establishment of military bases not only in the Pacific and Indian Oceans but also in countries like Cambodia. He highlighted the strategic alliances formed by the US with nations like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, aimed at countering China's growing influence.
Despite the US's military prowess, Rzayev suggested that China holds a geographical advantage in regional conflicts. "China's proximity to the conflict zones gives it an edge over the US, which operates from across the ocean. Moreover, allied nations might hesitate to allow US military intervention on their soil," he explained.
Central to the escalating tensions, Rzayev emphasized China's perception of US alliances in the region as a direct threat. "The deepening ties between the US and nations like Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are viewed by China as provocative," he concluded, underlining the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.