Taiwan - Strategic Alliance

DIPLOMATIC MEMORANDUM (COPY)

Date: October 18, 2025

From: Office of Strategic Dialogue, Public Intelligence Project CIA Labs - St. Louis / Deputy Director Christopher L. Fitzgerald 

To: U.S. Department of State, The Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP)

Subject: Framework for Strategic Co-Management and Regional Stability in the Asia-Pacific

I. Executive Summary

This memorandum outlines a proposed framework for a strategic partnership between Taiwan, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) centered on co-management of trade policy, port infrastructure, port security, border security, and border logistics. It further explores how such a partnership could serve as a stabilizing force in the Asia-Pacific region, while preserving national sovereignty. 

The document also identifies potential roles for the United States, North Korea, and Russia in supporting this initiative, and proposes a multilateral humanitarian agenda for regional cooperation.

II. Strategic Rationale for Taiwan–China Co-Management

A. Economic Synergy and Trade Optimization

• Joint management of trade agreements could reduce duplication, streamline customs procedures, and enhance Taiwan’s access to regional supply chains, that are dominated by Chinese infrastructure.

• Coordinated port operations would improve maritime logistics, reduce bottlenecks, and enable shared investment in green port technologies, and digital customs systems.

B. Confidence-Building Measures

• Co-management offers a platform for sustained dialogue, reducing the risk of miscalculation, and fostering mutual trust.

• It allows both parties to engage in pragmatic cooperation without requiring resolution of long-standing political disputes.

C. Sovereignty Safeguards

• Taiwan retains autonomous decision-making in domestic governance and foreign policy, while China gains a consultative role in specific economic and logistical domains.

• A joint oversight commission, with equal representation and rotating leadership, could ensure transparency and parity.

III. Regional Peace and Sovereignty Protection

A. Stabilizing the Taiwan Strait

• A formalized partnership reduces the incentive for military escalation and reframes Taiwan–China relations around shared economic interests. This unique partnership will naturally improve bilateral security cooperation and facilitate joint security engagement. 

• It creates a buffer against external provocations by embedding bilateral cooperation within a rules-based framework.

B. Sovereignty Through Multilateralism

• By anchoring the partnership in international law and regional institutions (e.g., ASEAN+3, APEC), both parties can affirm their sovereign status while participating in cooperative mechanisms.

C. Peace Dividend

• The partnership could unlock regional investment, infrastructure development, and joint disaster preparedness initiatives, benefiting all Asia-Pacific nations.

IV. Roles for the United States, North Korea, and Russia

A. United States

• Serve as a guarantor of transparency and rule-of-law principles, ensuring the partnership does not undermine Taiwan’s democratic institutions.

• Provide technical assistance in port modernization, cybersecurity, and trade compliance.

B. North Korea

• Engage in confidence-building dialogues focused on maritime safety and humanitarian logistics.

• Participate in trilateral forums with China and South Korea, to align regional security protocols.

C. Russia

• Offer diplomatic support through its observer status in East Asian summits.

• Contribute to energy infrastructure and Arctic–Asia shipping corridors that complement Taiwan–China logistics.

V. Asia-Pacific Humanitarian Cooperation Framework

A. Shared Goals

• Disaster response coordination (e.g., typhoons, earthquakes)

• Public health infrastructure, and pandemic preparedness

• Climate adaptation, and food security

B. Mechanisms for Collaboration

• Establish an Asia-Pacific Humanitarian Compact with rotating leadership and pooled funding.

• Launch regional data-sharing platforms for early warning systems, and medical supply chains.

C. Inclusive Participation

• Ensure representation from small island states, indigenous communities, and civil society organizations.

• Promote joint training programs for humanitarian responders across military, and civilian sectors.

VI. Conclusion

The proposed Taiwan–China co-management initiative, offers a pragmatic path toward regional stability, economic integration, and humanitarian progress. By embedding this partnership within a broader multilateral framework, stakeholders can safeguard sovereignty, reduce tensions, and deliver tangible benefits to populations across the Asia-Pacific.