Meaning: The quote by Bob Filner, a former American politician, reflects the long-standing policy of the United States in relation to China's potential military action against Taiwan. The policy aims to prevent the Chinese government in Beijing from gaining enough leverage over the U.S. to attempt to forcibly annex Taiwan by crossing the Straits of Taiwan.

The issue of Taiwan has been a longstanding point of contention between the U.S. and China. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has maintained its own government and political system separate from that of mainland China since the Chinese Civil War in the mid-20th century. However, the People's Republic of China (PRC) considers Taiwan to be a part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

The policy mentioned in the quote reflects the U.S.'s commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in relation to the Taiwan issue. Given the strategic and geopolitical significance of the Taiwan Strait, the U.S. has sought to deter any aggressive actions by the Chinese government that could destabilize the region.

The U.S. policy towards Taiwan is rooted in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which was enacted after the U.S. officially recognized the government of the PRC as the sole legal government of China. The act stipulates that the U.S. will provide Taiwan with the necessary arms and support for its self-defense, and it has served as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations for decades.

The notion of deterrence in the context of U.S.-China-Taiwan relations is multifaceted. It involves military deterrence, which includes the provision of defense equipment and support to Taiwan to dissuade China from initiating military aggression. Additionally, diplomatic and economic deterrence plays a role in signaling to Beijing that any attempt to alter the status quo by force would have significant repercussions.

Furthermore, the U.S. has consistently emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution of the Taiwan issue and has urged both sides to engage in dialogue to address their differences. The U.S. has also sought to strengthen its partnerships and alliances in the region, particularly with countries that share its commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific.

The quote by Bob Filner underscores the significance of maintaining a balance of power and deterrence in the context of U.S.-China-Taiwan relations. It reflects the U.S.'s strategic imperative to prevent any unilateral and coercive actions by the Chinese government that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.

In conclusion, the quote encapsulates the U.S.'s longstanding policy of deterrence aimed at preventing the Chinese government from gaining enough leverage to forcibly annex Taiwan. The policy reflects the complex dynamics of U.S.-China-Taiwan relations and the U.S.'s commitment to upholding stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. By articulating the need to deter Chinese aggression in the Taiwan Strait, the quote highlights the strategic considerations and diplomatic efforts that underpin U.S. foreign policy in the region.