in regard to the United States role in Taiwan, since 1952 it has (1) demonstrated broad military use and domination of the island; (2) gone to the brink of war several times to protect its "rights" on Taiwan; (3) provided enormous, full-spectrum support to an economically dependent Taiwan and militarily and politically dependent ROC, including taking on the role of direct counterpart to the PRC with respect to Taiwan, and invoking the right to individual self-defense in such regard; (4) has dictated the terms of, and veto power over, any future disposition, of the territory, (5) has deemed its role's duration to be limited in theory but indefinite in practice; and (6) sought to deny, or exclude formal provisions for, Taiwan territory's independence.

All of the above actions are fully in line with international trusteeship practice and precedent.

Notes

With respect to the ROC:

(1) from 1895 to 1952, Taiwan was de jure Japanese territory, and the ROC's presence beginning in Oct. 1945 was thus in the nature of belligerent occupation, which does not confer title, (2) neither the SFPT nor the ROC-Japan Peace Treaty in 1952 gave the ROC any rights over Taiwan, (3) the ROC on Taiwan has always been dependent on United States support, so that its occupation and "effective control" can be viewed as an extension of the United States' own power, (4) the United States derecognized the ROC as of Jan. 1, 1979, and has consistently asserted that Taiwan is not independent, (5) moreover the United States considers Taiwan territory "strategic" and subject to unilateral military involvement, including the development of local forces, which it has accomplished over the last half a century by massive financial support for Taiwan's military.

CONCLUSION: Taiwan is a quasi-trusteeship of the United States of America.