New Delhi: In a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, former President Donald Trump suggested that Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense against China. This remark has raised questions about the future of Washingtons support for the island nation should Trump win the upcoming presidential election.Trumps perspective on Taiwan defenceWhen asked if he would defend Taiwan against China, Trump compared the U.S. to an insurance company, stating that Taiwan “doesnt give us anything.” He argued that Taiwan should contribute financially for its protection, reflecting a transactional approach to international relations. Trump also noted Chinas increasing military aggression toward Taiwan and expressed skepticism about the security of the island under current conditions.Taiwanese premiere Cho Jun-tai respondsIn response to Trumps comments, Taiwans Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the strong, albeit informal, relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. He highlighted Taiwans efforts to enhance its self-defense capabilities, stating, “Taiwan and the US share a common responsibility for the Indo-Pacific region of the Taiwan Strait, and we are willing to do more to defend ourselves and protect our security.”How will this impact US-Taiwan military salesThe U.S. has been selling billions of dollars in weapons to Taiwan, fulfilling legislative obligations to provide the island with the means to defend itself. These sales increased during Trumps presidency. However, Trumps recent comments suggest that his support for Taiwan might not be as robust if he returns to office.Role of Taiwans semiconductor industryTrump accused Taiwan of taking “almost 100%” of the U.S.s semiconductor industry without providing evidence. Taiwan, primarily through the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), produces over 90% of the worlds most advanced chips. TSMC is investing billions in building new factories overseas, including $65 billion on three plants in Arizona, while maintaining most of its manufacturing in Taiwan.Premier Chos assurance on R&DPremier Cho reassured that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its self-defense and maintain strong ties with the U.S. He also stressed on the importance of keeping research and development within Taiwan, inviting other foreign companies to establish operations on the island.Future US policy towards China, TaiwanTrumps remarks indicate a potentially hawkish but unpredictable approach towards China and Taiwan if he wins the presidency. He also mentioned imposing tariffs on China and retracted his stance on banning the China-owned app, TikTok, while referring to Chinas leader Xi Jinping as a “very good friend” until the pandemic.
