The United States will not abandon its Pacific allies, and the incoming Trump administration must renew its commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself. This was stated today in Taipei by former US Vice President Mike Pence, quoted by Reuters and BTA.
During his first term, when Pence was vice president, the Trump administration offered significant support for Taiwan, including approving arms sales.
However, Trump's second-term campaign has raised concerns in Taiwan after he suggested that the island should pay more for its defense. He also accused Taiwan of trying to lure American semiconductor businesses.
During his first visit to Taiwan today, Pence stressed that he prays for a peaceful future in the region. In addition to military support, he urged the Trump administration to begin negotiations on a free trade pact with Taiwan - a long-standing goal of the Taipei government.
After arriving from a visit to Hong Kong, Pence also commented on the broad bipartisan understanding in Washington that China poses the most serious strategic and economic threat to the United States and its allies in the 21st century.
The relationship between Trump and Pence has remained tense since the end of their first presidential term (2017-2021). Although Pence has been loyal to Trump for most of his time, he has refused to comply with Trump's request to overturn the results of the 2020 election. during the events of January 6, 2021, which ended with an attack on the Capitol.