The Role of Diplomacy in US Management of Cross-Strait Relations

This paper was originally published by Brookings Institution on March 20, 2026. Read the full paper here.

Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital to U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and global credibility. Although Beijing has intensified military, economic, and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan—including large-scale exercises and coercive gray-zone tactics—conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable.1 The United States faces the challenge of strengthening deterrence in ways that promote stability without increasing the risk of miscalculation or confrontation. America’s role is not to determine Taiwan’s future, but to prevent the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from using force or coercion to impose its will. Further, America must ensure that any resolution of cross-Strait differences is achieved peacefully and with the consent of Taiwan’s people.

Diplomacy must play a central role in that effort. While military deterrence remains essential, sustained diplomatic engagement with Beijing, Taipei, and like-minded partners is indispensable for communicating intent, discouraging unilateral changes to the status quo, and reinforcing international opposition to the use of force. At the same time, the United States must clearly articulate why Taiwan matters to American interests and ensure that its “One China” policy remains credible, flexible, and aligned with its broader strategy.

This paper outlines a comprehensive diplomatic approach to preserving peace in the Taiwan Strait. It argues for reaffirming and adapting U.S. declaratory policy, strengthening public understanding of Taiwan’s importance, intensifying engagement with both Beijing and Taipei, encouraging cross-Strait dialogue, preventing election interference, and building a coalition of like-minded countries to raise the costs of aggression. Integrated with military, economic, informational, and legal tools, such a strategy can reduce the risk of conflict while safeguarding American interests and regional stability.