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Intelligence Squared Debates: Taiwan is Indefensible

May 20th 4:30PM - 6:00PM (EST) 

The fate of Taiwan is uncertain. As a revanchist China builds up forces near the island, the Biden administration is warning Beijing against an invasion, bolstering its defense with the sale of military hardware. While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan’s government, it remains its strongest international backer. Beijing, meanwhile, sees Taiwan as lost territory, which needs to be “reunified” with the mainland. Recently, Beijing sent 25 warplanes into Taiwanese airspace, the largest ever incursion into the region by the People’s Liberation Army. And some argue that the scale of China’s military presence has already surpassed anything the U.S. or Taiwan militaries could stop. It is indefensible, both militarily and from a political capital perspective; the notion of risking American soldiers in this geostrategic flashpoint unthinkable. Others say American credibility is actually on the line, and that the U.S. could indeed win if it had to. So, here’s the question: Is Taiwan indefensible?

Presenters

Presenter
FOR THE MOTION
Lyle J. Goldstein
Research Professor, China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College
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Presenter
FOR THE MOTION
Charlie Glaser
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, George Washington University
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Presenter
AGAINST THE MOTION
Elbridge Colby
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
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Presenter
AGAINST THE MOTION
Elizabeth Larus
Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Mary Washington
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Presenter
Moderator-in-Chief
John Donvan
Open to Debate