Donald Trump has stated that Taiwan should pay the US for protection from China, likening the US to an “insurance company” and claiming that Taiwan “doesn’t give us anything.” His remarks, made in a Bloomberg Businessweek interview, cast doubt on Washington’s support for Taiwan if Trump wins the November presidential election.
Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, responded by emphasizing the strong, albeit informal, US-Taiwan relationship and Taiwan’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities. Cho also expressed gratitude for US support and reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining the relationship and increasing its self-defense capabilities.
Trump’s comments suggest his support for Taiwan is uncertain, especially given his claims, without evidence, that Taiwan has taken “almost 100%” of the US semiconductor industry. Taiwan’s TSMC remains a global leader in advanced chip production, investing heavily in both domestic and international facilities.
Trump’s unpredictable stance on China contrasts with his running mate, JD Vance, who emphasized China’s status as the US’s greatest security threat. The US policy of “strategic ambiguity” towards Taiwan remains, with President Biden having previously stated he would defend Taiwan against Chinese aggression.
