U.S. Stance on Taiwan and South Korea: Trump and Allies Weigh In
Military Tensions and Defense Cost Sharing
In a recent interview with Bloomberg Businessweek, former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed caution about supporting Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago golf club, Trump suggested that Taiwan should pay for its own defense: 'We are nothing more than an insurance company. Taiwan gives us nothing.' He added that China might refrain from attacking Taiwan to avoid losing the chip factories there, but criticized Taiwan for taking the chip business away from the U.S.
Taiwan, which seceded from mainland China 75 years ago, is frequently the scene of Chinese military demonstrations. The United States, a long-time ally of Taiwan, watches these developments with concern. Recently, Taiwan reported a record number of Chinese military aircraft near the island, heightening fears of a potential invasion similar to Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien echoed similar sentiments about defense cost-sharing, but this time in the context of South Korea. Speaking at an event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, O'Brien emphasized that South Korea has the financial capability to bear more of its defense burden. He highlighted the economic success of South Korea and suggested that the country should contribute more to its defense costs.
O'Brien also addressed concerns about the ROK-US alliance during Trump's term, stating that Trump had a good relationship with South Korea and was a fan of Korean female golfers. He reiterated Trump's message of 'peace through strength,' emphasizing the need for a strong U.S. military to ensure global peace.
At a seminar organized by the European Union, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, another Trump ally, argued that the U.S. should focus its diplomatic and military power on the Indo-Pacific region rather than Europe. Colby criticized Europe's dependency on the U.S. for defense and stressed the need for a stronger and more self-reliant EU.
Colby also discussed the close relationship between China and Russia, describing them as functional allies. He warned that this alliance complicates America's strategic challenges and reinforces the need for the U.S. to concentrate its resources in the Indo-Pacific region. Colby is considered a potential candidate for National Security Advisor if Trump returns to power.
