US-Taiwan Security Cooperation under the Trump Administration
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtV9gl3CaNHs17fTQr8-XRNGGE7ZFEtHgVVlRdCMkH4350ZA/viewform
Description: In the face of China’s escalating military modernization and “gray zone” activities near Taiwan, the traditional framework of US-Taiwan security cooperation—governed by the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and strategic ambiguity—is once again under extreme stress. A sufficient deterrent posture against Beijing’s accelerating campaign potentially requires a fundamental recalibration of both Taiwanese defense strategy and US security assistance. This conference will explore the growing necessity and feasibility of a strategic reevaluation, such as a transition from conventional defense to a credible Asymmetric Defense Strategy for Taiwan. Ultimately, the conference intends to propose a model for enhanced US-Taiwan security cooperation that maximizes the effectiveness of asymmetric capabilities. It also assesses whether this shift is realistic (politically and economically) and can more effectively preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Sponsor organization: The Department of Political Science at The Citadel, and The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (Taiwan).
Point of Contact: Dr.Michael Sun (The Citadel), and Consular Officer Ellie Wu (The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta)
Time: April 16, 2026 (Thursday)
5: 30 pm: Dinner (Pearson Club Level, 4th-floor hospitality area in The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium)
Time: April 17, 2026 (Friday)
Venue: Capers Auditorium, The Citadel
Agenda
8:30 am-9:00 am: Registration and Reception
(Coffee and light refreshments will be provided)
9:00 am-9:20 am: Opening remarks
- Mr.Ed Sutton (South Carolina State Senator/ Taiwan caucus co-chair/ Citadel Alumnus)
- Jared Lin (Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta)
9:20 am- 9:50 am: The First Keynote Speech
Ambassador Alexander Yui (ROC Taiwan’s Representative to the United States)
10:00- 11:00 am: The first panel-The Security Relations between Taiwan and China
Main Discussion: The first panel will focus on increasing cross-strait tensions starting from 2016, analyzing their causes, major developments, and resulting consequences.
Moderator: Dean Brian Jones (the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at The Citadel)
Panelists:
- Dr. Chong-Han Wu (Associate Dean, Chair of Department of Diplomacy at National Chengchi University)
- Dr. Michael Sun (Associate Professor of Political Science Department at The Citadel)
11:00 am- 12:00 pm: The Second Panel- Taiwan Military Preparation
Main Discussion: The second panel will examine Taiwan’s military response to China’s escalating military threat, with a focus on defense reforms, preparation, and their effectiveness.
Moderator: Dr. Keith Knapp (Professor of History Department at The Citadel)
Panelists:
- Real Admiral Chung-Hsing Wei (The Head of ROC Taiwan Defense Mission to the United States)
- Dr. Jared McKinney (Professor of the Air War College)
12:00 pm- 01:00 pm: Lunch
01:00 pm- 01:40 pm: The Second Keynote Speech
Admiral Hsi-Ming Lee (Retired, former ROC Taiwan Chief of the General Staff of Armed Forces)
1:40 pm- 02:40 pm: The third panel- U.S./Taiwan Security Cooperation
Main Discussion: The third panel will examine the scope, opportunities, and challenges of U.S.–Taiwan security cooperation during the Second Trump administration.
Moderator: Dr. Jack Porter (Chair of Political Science Department at The Citadel)
Panelists:
- Dr. Shale Horowitz (Professor of Political Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
- Dr. Christopher Marsh (Professor, Department Chair of International Security Studies at US National Defense University)