Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus was interviewed about the fate of Taiwan for a segment on Intelligence Squared.

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 Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, 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, that the U.S. could indeed win if it had to, and that its political posturing should reflect that. So, here’s our question: Is Taiwan indefensible? Watch here. 

Dr. Larus also appeared on the podcast hosted by Harris Bricken, an international law firm, discussing the United States’ relationship with China. Listen here.

Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus, an Asia expert at the University of Mary Washington, said it was critical to show a “united front” over Taiwan. “Not only will China be listening to hear any such statement, but so will U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific who need to be reassured of U.S. commitment to the region,” she said. https://on.ft.com/3e13ApD

Professor and Chairman of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

Elizabeth Larus, Chairman of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, commented in the Financial Times that President Biden had come out with a “firmer posture” on China than most experts had expected but had also benefited from Trump’s precedent. She commented that “Some of the heavy lifting on Taiwan has already been done for him.”
https://www.ft.com/content/05d67774-fdf7-41ae-b17e-a8f2fe8e9f6f
https://oltnews.com/u-s-facilitates-diplomats-meeting-with-taiwanese-officials

Professor Larus also commented April 3 on Vietnam TV News on prospects for strengthening UN cooperation with regional organizations in peacemaking efforts, an item on the agenda as Vietnam begins official duties as (rotating) president of the UN Security Council. Professor Larus’ comments begin at 17 min into the program at https://vnews.gov.vn/video/the-gioi-360-do-ngay-03-4-2021-207815.htm

Professor and Chairman of the Department of Political Science Elizabeth Freund Larus.

In an interview with Vietnam News on the eve of the Alaska meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials, PSIA Professor Elizabeth Larus indicated that the U.S. and China, as influential countries, need to talk face-to-face. Professor Larus indicated that the timing of the meeting was significant, following China’s “Two Sessions” and the Blinken/Austin trips to allies South Korea and Japan. Dr. Larus anticipated no breakthroughs on U.S.-China relations, and that the U.S. and Chinese media would differ in their accounts of the meeting. https://baotintuc.vn/the-gioi/gioi-chuyen-gia-my-danh-gia-y-nghia-tich-cuc-cua-doi-thoai-cap-cao-mytrung-20210320200349424.htm (English translation available.)

Dr. Larus also commented on the sparks that flew between the U.S. and China at their March 17 Alaska meeting on In Focus South Asia. She indicated that Washington was likely surprised by the vehemence with which China responded to U.S. criticisms of Beijing’s actions on a number of hot button issues. Professor Larus’s comments begin at six minutes into the program. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKIJFQeL2mI