Florida Governor and potential candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election Ron DeSantis says that deterrence is the best strategy for the United States in the Taiwan Strait. He adds that the U.S. and Japan should work together to help maintain the status quo. DeSantis made the remarks in an interview with Japanese media on Tuesday.
DeSantis, who was in Japan as part of an overseas tour, praised Taiwan as a prosperous and free society. He says that Taiwan is an ally, and that it has strategic importance as a leading chip manufacturer.
DeSantis also supports Japan’s decision to increase its defense spending over the next five years, calling it a model for European countries who are aiming to raise their own defense budgets.
While there has been much speculation that the governor will run as the Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election, DeSantis has not announced his intention to run.