The world has been bewildered by constant shifts in the international situation since US President Donald Trump took office for the second time. Perhaps it is all part of Trump’s strategy — he is making many moves so that his opponents are unclear of his true intentions.
The downside to this approach is that even Trump’s allies are confused about his real goals. Many Taiwanese have doubts about him. What is Trump’s focus? Aside from careful observation, a general idea might be gleaned from the actions of his allies.
After his inauguration, Trump shocked the world with a rant about the Panama Canal, Greenland, Gaza and more. The effects soon became apparent — Panama withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while Denmark invested more in arctic defense and began discussions with the US over Greenland matters regarding US military defense assistance.
On the issue of Gaza, Trump shared plans for the resettlement of millions of Palestinians without the need for US troops.
However, of all the conflict zones around the world — including the regions that Trump has called attention to — the only area where the US military has actually deployed its forces is near Taiwan.
In the Philippines, the US deployed its Typhon missile system and Philippine soldiers have been training alongside US troops to learn to operate it in preparation for next month’s joint US-Philippine military exercises. The two countries have also been conducting joint patrols of the South China Sea. It is clear the US is taking large-scale actions aimed at assisting Manila to counter the Chinese threat.
On Jan. 28 in Okinawa, Japan, the US Marine Corps’ 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, with a force of 5,000 marines and sailors, boarded three amphibious warships to form a ready group. Among them was the USS America amphibious assault carrier carrying Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth jets to build ready-to-deploy combat capabilities to deter China.
Geographically, Taiwan lies at the center of these two major military operations. In other words, Trump’s real strategic focus seems to be suppressing China and defending Taiwan.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been considered pro-China. He initially considered visiting China after taking office, but once Trump began his second term, Ishiba’s first move was to travel to the US. Although Washington had yet to make any requests of Japan, Ishiba aimed to wash himself of his pro-China image by courting Trump. The primary topics of the meeting between the two were suppressing China and assisting in the defense of Taiwan.
Japan has always placed great importance on studying US strategic intentions, so Ishiba’s actions show that Taiwan indeed lies at the core of the US’ — and Trump’s — global strategy.
This is why Taiwan should work with Japan and the Philippines to strengthen its national defense, which at the very least could help Taiwan prevent Trump from wielding the tariff hammer against it. It also presents a great opportunity for Taiwan to bolster its national security and expand its place in the international community.
At this critical moment for Taiwan’s destiny, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party cannot be allowed to impose disruptive budget cuts and freezes, as it would lead the US to believe that Taiwan is not dedicated to its own self-defense. A large-scale recall of KMT legislators is necessary to demonstrate to the US Taiwan’s firm commitment to self-defense and anti-communism.
Tommy Lin is president of the Formosa Republican Association and the Taiwan United Nations Alliance.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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