**Conflict over Taiwan Would Be Disastrous, De Facto US Ambassador Warns**
Taipei, Taiwan – In a stark warning about the potential consequences of conflict across the Taiwan Strait, Raymond Greene, the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, emphasized that any military confrontation would have a far-reaching impact on the global economy, possibly exceeding the devastation seen during World War II. Greene's remarks were made during a defense forum in Taipei on September 9, 2026, just weeks before a highly anticipated summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
Greene highlighted the urgency of securing peace in the Taiwan Strait, stating that there is no more pressing issue than preventing miscalculations that could lead to conflict. He described the upcoming US-China summit as a critical opportunity for both nations to engage in dialogue that promotes strategic stability and mutual understanding.
The Taiwan Strait has become a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly given China's claims over Taiwan and the island's status as a self-governing democracy. While the United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it is recognized as the island's most significant international supporter and arms supplier. Greene reiterated the US commitment to Taiwan's defense, underscoring the importance of enhancing the island's military capabilities in response to perceived threats from China.
"The United States under the Trump administration has made preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific one of its top priorities," Greene stated. He noted that this commitment includes "vigorous" diplomacy at the highest levels and a reinforcement of US presence and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region to maintain a favorable balance of power.
In line with these efforts, Taiwan's government, led by President William Lai Ching-te, has prioritized increased defense spending and military modernization. The administration has allocated a defense budget for the upcoming year that will surpass 1 trillion Taiwan dollars (approximately $31.76 billion), marking a significant investment in the island's security infrastructure.
Greene's comments come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Taiwan's leadership firmly rejecting Beijing's territorial claims. The potential for conflict in the Taiwan Strait not only poses a threat to regional stability but also raises concerns about the broader implications for the global economy. Greene warned that the human cost of such a conflict would be immeasurable, but the economic repercussions could be unprecedented.
As the international community watches closely, the upcoming summit between Xi and Trump is seen as a pivotal moment for US-China relations. Greene's emphasis on the need for dialogue and cooperation underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained to avoid escalating tensions in the region.
In conclusion, the warnings from Greene reflect a growing consensus among policymakers and analysts regarding the critical importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. As Taiwan continues to bolster its defense capabilities and the US reaffirms its support, the hope remains that diplomatic efforts will prevail to prevent a catastrophic conflict that could reshape the global landscape.