Taiwan’s leaders are growing increasingly concerned over former President Donald Trump’s recent criticisms of their relationship with the United States, particularly his suggestion that Taiwan should pay for its defense.
“We are willing to take on more responsibility, defend ourselves, and ensure our security,” said Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai in a statement. “We are strengthening our defense budget and demonstrating our commitment to the international community.”
Trump’s remarks, made in an interview with Bloomberg, sparked alarm in Taipei, where officials are working to counter his criticisms ahead of a potential return to the White House. The former president stated that Taiwan “should pay us for defense,” likening the relationship to an insurance policy.
Trump’s comments have sparked a heated debate among American strategists and lawmakers, with some arguing that Taiwan is a valuable ally that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to its defense. House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) praised Taiwan’s efforts, saying, “They have consistently been one of the biggest buyers of U.S. weapons for its defense.”
However, Trump’s criticisms have also been met with skepticism, particularly his assertion that Taiwan took the U.S. chip industry and now expects to benefit from American taxpayer dollars. “They took our chip business from us, I mean, how stupid are we?” he said. “They took all of our chip business. They’re immensely wealthy. And I don’t think we’re any different from an insurance policy. Why are we doing this?”
Trump’s comments have also revived memories of his previous presidency, during which he famously broke with precedent by speaking with Taiwan’s president and announcing the sale of advanced weaponry to the island nation.
