Public concern about the potential impact on U.S.-Taiwan military cooperation remains following Trump's second term and his America First policy. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) addressed these concerns on Tuesday. He says the primary core interest of the U.S. is to maintain the status quo in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Koo referred to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statement that if something were to happen to Taiwan, the impact on the U.S. would be significant. Trump gave the remark addressing a question on consequences to U.S. chip supply should China take action on Taiwan. This followed the announcement that TSMC will invest at least another US$100 billion in the U.S.
Koo says that Taiwan and the U.S. share common core interests and Trump’s remarks reflect the U.S.’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific. He says that should the U.S. retreat from the region, it would have a severe impact on the economic and military security of the U.S., as well as on its geopolitical standing. Emphasizing the shared goal of Taiwan and the U.S. to preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, Koo says Taiwan is committed to deterrence and strength to prevent war.
In a previous media briefing on Monday, the defense minister outlined the priorities for the special budget allocation made by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to increase Taiwan’s defense spending. He says the primary focus will be on asymmetric warfare capabilities and operational resilience. However, he adds that due to the sensitivity of the matter, further details are not yet available for public disclosure.