Trump halts military aid to Taiwan: Reason revealed
In a significant development, a closed-door meeting between U.S. and Taiwanese defense representatives took place in Anchorage, Alaska in August. The discussions centred around potential arms sales worth several billion dollars, including drones, missiles, and coastal surveillance sensors.
The proposed deal could mark a significant shift in the region's military landscape, as U.S. intelligence believes that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to be ready for a possible invasion by 2027. This assertion, coupled with China's continued view of Taiwan as part of its territory, raises concerns about potential escalation in the region.
The U.S. has been funding Taiwan's defense for decades, but the Trump administration's decision to potentially withhold military aid could be more about political calculation than military strategy. The administration has informally notified Congress of plans to sell Taiwan weapons worth an additional $500 million, but the delivery of these next-generation weapons could take years.
Meanwhile, Taiwan plans to allocate 3.3% of its GDP to defense next year, a move that could signal a shift in Taiwan's own defense policy. President Tsai Ing-wen has stated her intention to increase Taiwan's defense budget to 5% of GDP by 2030.
The blocked aid package would have included ammunition and modern drones capable of bolstering Taiwan's defense. Deliveries of previously paid for F-16s and Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan are still pending.
The U.S.-Taiwan talks come at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly preparing a foundation for an agreement on TikTok, the popular social media app. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin made the announcement, adding that the U.S. and China are working towards a resolution.
Trump has also insisted that partner countries should spend up to 10% of their GDP on security, a demand that could put pressure on other nations in the region to increase their defense budgets.
As the week draws to a close, Trump is expected to personally communicate with Xi Jinping, a meeting that could potentially shape the future of U.S.-China relations. The decision to withhold military aid to Taiwan, if confirmed, could signal a shift in U.S. policy towards China, with economic negotiations looming large on the horizon.
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