War on the Rocks A Stroll Through the Indo-Pacific, the Most Important Region in the World
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Mar 26, 2025 
Lisa Curtis, a security expert from CNAS, discusses critical geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions from China. Zack Cooper, a military strategist, sheds light on the U.S. military's readiness and the nuances of great power competition. Dmitri Alperovitch, focused on U.S.-China relations, emphasizes the importance of Taiwan's security and the strategic significance of semiconductor production. They explore evolving alliances, military investments, and the roles of partners like India and Australia in the region's stability.
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Taiwan's Nervousness and US Investment
- Taiwan is nervous due to limited positive attention and trade threats from the Trump administration.
- Despite this, Taiwan invests heavily in the US economy, including TSMC's $100 billion investment.
Framing Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry
- Taiwan should frame its semiconductor industry as vital to US companies like Apple and Qualcomm, not just Taiwan's defense, to avoid tariffs.
- This approach emphasizes Taiwan's role as a manufacturer for US companies, making tariffs counterproductive.
Trump's Spheres of Influence View
- Trump views the world through spheres of influence, potentially leading to concessions to China regarding Taiwan.
- This poses a significant worry for Taiwan, despite potential pushback from within the administration.
