Taiwan's Strategic Defence: Modernization Amidst Rising China Threat

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the nation's need to self-rely for defense amidst increasing Chinese threats and criticism from former President Donald Trump. Taiwan aims to modernize its military, despite no formal defense agreement with the U.S., to ensure its security amid diplomatic isolation.

In response to criticism from Donald Trump, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung asserted on Friday that Taiwan must rely on itself for defense, given the looming threat from China. Former U.S. President Trump, a Republican running for reelection, had remarked in an interview that “Taiwan should pay us for defense” and accused the island of taking American semiconductor business.

The United States remains Taiwan's key international backer and primary arms supplier, even though China claims Taiwan as its own. Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, Washington is legally committed to providing Taiwan with defense means. However, unlike Japan and South Korea, Taiwan does not have a formal defense treaty with the U.S. since the termination of the treaty in 1979 when the U.S. officially recognized Beijing.

Biden's 2022 statement that U.S. forces would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion challenged the long-standing “strategic ambiguity” policy. Addressing Trump's comments, Lin stressed that Taiwan-US relations are built on bipartisan support within the U.S. and a shared recognition of the China threat. Since its democratization over the past 30 years, Taiwan has significantly increased its defense spending, which now stands at 2.5% of its GDP. Lin anticipates continued growth in defense budgets and highlighted ongoing military reforms, including extended conscription periods and defense modernization efforts. Despite China's refusal to renounce the use of force and its centennial military goals, Lin underscored the importance of united preparedness against a possible Chinese invasion.