US President-elect Donald Trump has described Taiwan as “a major issue for world peace” during a meeting with Akie Abe, the widow of the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, according to Taipei Times. The discussion, which took place on December 15 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, covered a range of global issues, including the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war and tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Trump’s comments on Taiwan underscored the significance of the potential Taiwan-China conflict and its broader implications for world peace. This highlights his administration’s prioritization of addressing the situation in Taiwan. “We want to create an opportunity to exchange opinions as soon as possible and at a mutually convenient time,” said Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, referring to potential diplomatic engagements between Trump and Japanese officials.
During the meeting, Trump also presented Akie Abe with a book of photos with the word “peace” written inside, which she was asked to pass on to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Although Trump has not yet met with Ishiba, Japanese media reported that Ishiba may visit the US next month before Trump’s inauguration, with discussions on issues of mutual interest anticipated, as reported by Taipei Times.
This suggests that Taiwan and related security concerns could feature prominently on the US-Japan agenda once the new administration takes office.
In related news, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council (USTBC), commented on the recent US arms sale to Taiwan. The US approved the sale of USD 265 million in military equipment, including 309 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems Variant 5. The deal also includes assistance in integrating these systems into Taiwan’s Patriot and other missile defense systems, as well as F-16 Block 20 jets.
This arms sale marks the 19th approved by the Biden administration to Taiwan and is part of the broader US strategy to support its allies and partners, including Israel and Ukraine, according to Taipei Times.
Hammond-Chambers noted that while the continuous flow of arms support provides material and political benefits, it remains a limited response to the full extent of the threat posed by China’s growing military power. “While the constant flow of support has material and political benefits, it has, regrettably, been overly narrow in response to the totality of the threat posed by China’s military forces,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hammond-Chambers predicted that Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is likely to be proactive in seeking further security assistance. “Lai will likely present the incoming Trump administration with an ambitious agenda, including increased spending, requests to purchase new platforms and systems, and expanding resources available for the coast guard sustainment and training,” he added.
This suggests that Taiwan will continue to press for greater defense capabilities as tensions in the region persist.
Must Read: Donald Trump Debunks ‘Hoax’ About Handing Presidency To Elon Musk
