One reason we have had as much peace and prosperity as we have had as a nation is that we have kept going to war someplace else. We have to project power elsewhere because we don’t ever want the fighting with the bullies of the world to be on our own soil if it can possibly be avoided. Oil is not at stake, but freedom and security from the Chinese military and corporate espionage is. And tamping down any Chinese connection to terrorists.
A strong connection with Taiwan, Korea, Japan and others can slow Ji Jin Ping down in his ambitions to be a second Chairman Mao. That should be the plan, but, as Obama said, never underestimate Biden’s ability to screw this up.
We have gone to war other places over the past decades because of oil. Oil was why Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and WW II began. So viewing world affairs through the prism of the ultimate source of power is generally wise.
China produces about 4.5 million barrels/day. They consume 14 mbpd. Taiwan is not a player in the world of oil. Its industry in semiconductors is entirely replaceable. Oil, in contrast, exists only where it exists and that isn’t Taiwan.
President Trump would object to this. I suspect strongly most of you know this. Taiwan is not America First in All Things. It’s a manifestation of overseas Swamp.