Taiwan explained: Why China claims it, and why the U.S. is involved

Catch up with NBC News Clone on today's hot topic: Taiwan Explained China Claims Us Involved Rcna345656 - World News | NBC News Clone. Our editorial team reformatted this story for clarity and speed.

Many foreign policy analysts fear a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw the U.S. into a destructive and costly war with China.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Delivers National Day Speech

Taiwanese flags fly during National Day celebrations in Taipei on Oct. 10. An Rong / Bloomberg via Getty Images file

May 18, 2026, 11:06 AM EDT

By David Sacks, Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong

This article was originally published on CFR.org and updated by NBC News.

Differences over Taiwan’s status have fueled rising tensions between the island and mainland China. Taiwan is the likeliest potential flash point in U.S.-China relations.

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