The interview released by Bloomberg on July 16 featured former President Donald Trump discussing the defense of Taiwan in case of an attack. This comes at a time when U.S. Admiral’s testimony indicated that China might be prepared to invade Taiwan by 2027. Trump’s response suggested that Taiwan should pay for U.S. defense guarantees, aligning with a policy of strategic ambiguity. This move reflects an effort to find new revenue sources to support global defense commitments amidst the unsustainable U.S. national debt.
President Joe Biden’s firm stance on defending Taiwan in 2022 increased short-term deterrence against China but deviated from the strategic ambiguity approach that encourages Taiwan to enhance its defense capabilities independently in the long run. Trump’s return to ambiguity in the Bloomberg interview had immediate effects, with Taiwan’s foreign minister emphasizing the need for self-reliance in defense.
The proposal for Taiwan to contribute to U.S. defense expenses could potentially lead to a formal defense treaty, enhancing deterrence. By aligning defense spending with that of the United States, Taiwan could argue for equitable burden-sharing against a common adversary. The concept of defense premiums could come into play, potentially amounting to a significant portion of Taiwan’s GDP.
The risks and rewards of reviving a defense treaty with Taiwan, including potential nuclear implications, highlight the complexities of the situation. Both China and Taiwan are making strategic military moves, indicating the high stakes involved. Ultimately, the decisions made by all parties involved will have significant implications for regional security and stability. The world is constantly evolving and changing. It is important to keep up with the latest developments and trends in order to stay informed and engaged.
Please note that the views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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