Taiwan faces mounting challenges as the Trump administration reshapes U.S. foreign policy, demanding greater defense spending while signaling reduced military support against China.

Trump’s Expectations From Taiwan

While it might have been usual for Taiwanese leaders to continue to expect US military and diplomatic support against China, Donald Trump’s arrival in the White House may go a long way in reversing the pattern of expectations in place since the 1950s. As it stands, Trump wants Taiwan to spend more on defence than the latter has been spending lately. In other words, while Trump may be inclined to offer Taiwan help against China, the framework within which this help can take place is going to change. This is turning into a major issue for Taiwan.

In October 2024, even before Trump became US president, he made sure that Taiwan will need to spend more on defence. Trump’s demand came despite the assurance he received that Taiwan was committed to spending about 2.5 per cent of its GDP. Trump, the candidate, disagreed to emphasise at least 10 per cent of GDP spending by Taiwan. (This is certainly much more than what, for instance, Trump wants NATO members to spend.) Trump, the president-elect, has not changed this position. This demand does not come out of nowhere. Trump sees this as to balance out with Taiwan. As it stands, Trump has a set of his own........

© New Eastern Outlook