The continuing uncertainty in Taiwan

The election of Donald Trump as president has world wondering I The what the effect will be on geopolitics.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

The incoming president has publicly expressed his admiration for Vladimir Putin and his desire to establish friendly relations with Russia. His vice president JD Vance has also publicly stated that he does not think that Ukraine is worth defending.

The situation in the Asia-Pacific Region is very different. Trump has declared that China is the most dangerous adversary of the United States. He has said that he intends to wage an economic war with China, beginning with the 60 percent tariff on all Chinese products imported into the US. His incoming secretary of State Marco Rubio has also stated that he considers China as the preeminent enemy of the United States.

In our part of the world, the Philippines is of course focused on what is happening in the South China Sea.

However, for the rest of the world, the most dangerous flash point still remains to be Taiwan. There are three possible scenarios that could happen to this island nation in the coming years.

The United States could make an unequivocal commitment to defend Taiwan. She could also declare officially that the island is not part of China.

The second alternative is to enhance Taiwan's defenses to such an extent that it would be disastrous for China to invade Taiwan.