Separately, a document dated February 15, 2018, which was declassified and released on January 20, in the final days of the Trump administration emphasised Washington's intent and resolve to defend Taiwan from Beijing in the event of an emergency. The memorandum’s disclosure was likely intended to restrict Beijing’s conduct by asserting the U.S. position until the new administration of President Joe Biden can get its footing. The memo, once designated as "classified," bears the signature of H.R. McMaster, who was President Donald Trump's national security adviser when it was drafted. The memo notes that China is actively seeking “to dissolve U.S. alliances and partnerships” in the Indo-Pacific region to increase its presence, and insists that "China will take increasingly assertive steps to compel unification with Taiwan." It describes how the United States should respond as well. In the event that a hostile action occurs, the U.S. military will develop a defense strategy to prevent Beijing from taking control of the skies and seas to protect Taiwan and other areas within the so-called first island chain, which stretches from Okinawa through Taiwan and the Philippines. A White House source said Okinawa’s Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but claimed by China, are included within the first island chain. Though Washington had noted that the Senkakus are covered by Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which defines the United States will defend Japan's territory, the nation has pledged only to provide logistical support for Taiwan, such as offering weapons. The memorandum, however, makes it clear that the United States will defend both Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands in the event of an emergency.
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