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Taiwan finds itself under increasing pressure as China halts nuclear-arms-control talks with the U.S. over ongoing arms sales to the island, while former President Donald Trump suggests that future U.S. defense support might come with financial conditions read more
 "China fusses over US arms sales, Trump and co build financial pressure")
Recent statements from China and Donald Trump may have built pressure on Taiwan. Agencies
Taiwan appears to be in a tricky position in light of recent developments between United States and China. Beijing is escalating its protests over US arms sales to the island territory. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has spoken about financial conditions for future US support.
China fusses over US-Taiwan arms deal
On Wednesday (July 17), China halted nascent nuclear-arms-control talks with the United States, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry stating that Washington’s repeated arms sales to Taiwan had “seriously compromised the political atmosphere for continuing the arms-control consultations.” Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the US remains Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stressed that while China is open to maintaining communication on international arms control, the US must respect China’s core interests and create necessary conditions for dialogue. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly demanded that US arms sales to the democratically governed island cease.
Taiwan has been vocal about the increased Chinese military activity near the island over the past four years, including almost daily missions by Chinese warplanes and warships.
Trump and co hint at increasing financial requirements
Adding to Taiwan’s woes, former President Donald Trump, in a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, cast doubt on future US support for Taiwan. The interview, conducted in late June and published on Tuesday, saw Trump comparing US defense of Taiwan to an insurance policy. “Taiwan should pay us for defense. You know, we’re no different than an insurance company,” he remarked. “Taiwan doesn’t give us anything.”
Trump’s comments gain significance as his poll numbers rise ahead of the November presidential election, raising critical questions about his potential approach to Taiwan in a second term. Analysts suggest that Trump might consider cutting off new foreign military aid to Taiwan approved under President Biden and could push for Taiwan to increase its military spending.
His former National Security Advisor, Robert O’Brien, recently suggested that Taiwan should consider spending at least 5 per cent of its GDP on its military to counter China’s growing power, up from the current 2.6 per cent.
Taiwan’s response
Amid these concerns, Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai reassured that Taipei is willing to take on more responsibility for its self-defense. In a statement reported by Focus Taiwan, Cho emphasised Taiwan’s efforts to boost its self-defense capabilities by gradually increasing defense spending, reinstating one-year compulsory military service, and strengthening societal resilience to various challenges.
“I believe that as long as we continue to demonstrate these efforts, we will receive support from more countries,” Cho said, while also expressing gratitude to the US for repeatedly voicing concerns over Taiwan’s security. Cho’s reassurances aim to mitigate fears about Taiwan’s defense readiness and its ability to withstand external pressures amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
With inputs from agencies
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English (US) ·