Vice President Kamala Harris has experienced a rapid ascent as the likely Democratic presidential candidate following President Joe Biden’s surprising announcement to withdraw from the 2024 race. This sudden turn of events has raised questions among foreign policy experts about Harris’ vision and positions on addressing the United States’ international challenges if she defeats former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
Specifically, the complex relationship between China and the U.S. and the volatile situation in the Taiwan Strait will continue to be crucial for the incoming administration. How would a Harris presidency deal with Taiwan?
Harris’ September 2022 Speech aboard the USS Howard in Yokosuka Base
A Harris administration might take a different approach from Biden regarding the use of U.S. forces to protect Taiwan from a potential Chinese military invasion. During her visit to the USS Howard in Japan’s Yokosuka Base in September 2022, Harris offered a more vague response when questioned about Taiwan, contrasting with Biden’s recent reaffirmation of U.S. support for Taiwan during a CBS interview.
In her address aboard the naval ship, Harris condemned China’s aggressive actions in the East China and South China Seas and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for a free and open Indo-Pacific. She stated the U.S.’s commitment to opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo and supporting Taiwan’s self-defense while deepening unofficial ties. These statements largely align with the Biden administration’s stance on Taiwan.
However, Harris did not provide details on how the U.S. would respond in a cross-strait crisis. Her complex response to questions about potential military involvement in Taiwan indicated a commitment to shared principles of international norms and security, without explicitly endorsing military intervention.
While Harris is on track to secure the Democratic nomination for president, her official stance on Taiwan is still unclear, given that her policies, both domestic and foreign, are still being developed. Therefore, it is premature to definitively assess her position on the Taiwan Strait.
Despite this uncertainty, Harris’ past actions and statements suggest her capability to handle U.S. foreign policy effectively. Her reticence in 2022 regarding potential military actions in Taiwan may signal a shift towards a more traditional strategic ambiguity approach, akin to previous administrations.
Harris’ Experience With the Indo-Pacific and China Affairs
Although Harris has limited experience in international affairs compared to Biden, she has played a significant role in shaping the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy since 2021. Her travels to the region and interactions with key leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, underscore her commitment to strengthening cooperation and alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
During her time as a senator, Harris supported legislation sanctioning Chinese officials for human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang and advocated for closer ties with Taiwan through initiatives like the Taiwan Travel Act. Her foreign policy team, including national security advisor Philip Gordon, aligns with Biden’s approach to competitive engagement with Beijing.
Looking ahead, whether under a Kamala Harris or Donald Trump presidency, the competition between the U.S. and China is expected to intensify. Both candidates have complex views on Taiwan, but they will need to navigate the international strategic landscape and evolving U.S. interests in the face of growing challenges from China.