In response to rising tensions, the United States government has been quietly formulating evacuation strategies for American residents in Taiwan, say three anonymous sources. These plans have been under consideration for half a year, with increased attention over the past couple of months. You kind of have to wonder with the connections Biden has to China how much the Biden Family, Clintons and Obama’s are getting paid to give Taiwan to China.
Emergent Security Concerns Spur Evacuation Planning
A senior U.S. intelligence official, who requested anonymity, mentioned a “heightened level of tension” as the catalyst for this planning. Recent global events, such as Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and China’s growing alliance with Russia, have been highlighted as driving factors behind the evacuation strategizing.
Confidential Nature of Evacuation Plans
The U.S. government has refrained from publicly discussing the plans. In response to an enquiry, the State Department refrained from commenting, while Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, a Pentagon spokesperson, declined to discuss the planning directly, mentioning that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait isn’t perceived as “imminent or inevitable”.
The clandestine nature of the planning is due to the sensitivity of the topic for the Taiwanese government and because even discussing evacuation plans might fuel speculations, according to a former State Department official.
Anticipating Future Crises: Evacuation Necessity
Over 80,000 Americans resided in Taiwan as of 2019, a region experiencing increasing threats from Chinese military and leadership. As a result, the planning for potential evacuation is seen as a prudent move, but it is stressed that these are only contingency plans and do not signify an expectation of impending war.
Evacuation Challenges: Geographic and Logistical Considerations
The details of the evacuation plans are still being finalized, including potential evacuation points for U.S. citizens. The geography of Taiwan, coupled with the possibility of war, introduces significant logistical obstacles for any evacuation attempts. This could include the challenges of maintaining safe corridors for evacuations and humanitarian aid, as experienced in Ukraine.
Planning for the Worst: A Comprehensive Approach
The U.S. policy dictates that embassies worldwide should formulate emergency plans, including evacuation strategies, for American citizens, which are then detailed in coordination with the Department of Defense.
John McLaughlin, a former acting director of the CIA, stated that identifying and locating American citizens in Taiwan is a crucial first step in evacuation planning. He suggested the use of the State Department’s registry for American citizens living abroad for this purpose.
Evacuation Preparations: Learning from Past Experience
The U.S. government’s history with evacuations has had its challenges. Recent experiences in Sudan and Afghanistan have led to criticism of the Biden administration’s evacuation efforts. These experiences are likely playing a significant role in shaping the planning for Taiwan.
