Taiwan Must Rely on Itself for Defense, Foreign Minister Responds to Trump
In a statement on Saturday, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu reacted to comments made by US President Donald Trump earlier this week, asserting that the island nation must rely on itself for its defense and not rely solely on American military assistance.
Trump had suggested during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday that Taiwan should work to strengthen its defense capabilities on its own, rather than relying too heavily on US support. Wu responded by reaffirming Taiwan’s commitment to defending itself against potential threats, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining good relations with its closest ally, the United States.
"The Foreign Ministry welcomes the US president’s encouragement to strengthen our defense capabilities," Wu said in a statement. "However, Taiwan cannot solely rely on foreign military aid for its defense. We must have our own defense strategy and take proactive steps to enhance our capabilities."
Taiwan’s defense ministry has been under significant pressure to upgrade its military in recent years, amid growing concerns about the increasing aggression of China in the Taiwan Strait. In 2019, the Taiwanese military revealed plans to expand its missile systems and increase the deployment of troops along the coast.
Despite Trump’s comments, Washington remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s defense capabilities through military aid and training programs. However, Wu’s statement highlighted Taiwan’s desire to increase its self-sufficiency in defense and reduce its dependence on foreign assistance.
Taiwan has faced repeated military provocations from China, including a surge in incursions into Taiwan’s airspace by Chinese warplanes in recent months. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification with the mainland.
The Taiwanese government has vowed to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threats, while also working to maintain good relations with the US and other democratic allies.
In response to Trump’s comments, Wu emphasized that Taiwan will continue to prioritize its defense modernization efforts and build strong partnerships with countries that share its values and concerns.
"Taiwan is willing to cooperate with countries that share our commitment to regional stability and the rule of law," Wu said. "However, we will not compromise our sovereignty or our democratic values. We will defend our freedom and our way of life, and we will continue to build strong relationships with countries that share our vision for a peaceful and stable region."
In conclusion, while Taiwan appreciates the support of the United States and other like-minded nations, the Foreign Minister emphasized that the island nation must take responsibility for its own defense and build its capabilities through its own efforts.