Trump 2.0: a message to Taiwan

The Taiwanese have something in common with the Japanese. Both nations have deep doubts about whether the United States is truly willing to defend them, although for Taiwan this concern seems more rational.

A Taiwanese friend noted that President-elect Donald Trump made no clear statements of support for Taiwan during his election campaign and asked a handful of questions about Taiwan’s prospects under his new administration.

What will Trump’s policy towards Taiwan be in his second term? Should Taiwan be worried?

Taiwan was not an issue in the American election campaign. This is never the case, regardless of the candidate. Very few, if any, voters choose a presidential candidate based on their stance on Taiwan.

Therefore, Mr. Trump’s failure to provide a detailed explanation of his Taiwan policy during his presidential campaign – and even to suggest that Taiwan was not doing enough – does not Shouldn’t be a major problem.

Most importantly, let’s take a look at how Donald Trump and his administration handled Taiwan during his first term, from 2017 to 2021. While he was president, arms sales to Taiwan increased significantly compared to the “weak” performance. ” on China and “weak” on Taiwan of the Obama administration.

Additionally, Taiwan’s isolation eased as the United States paid more attention to it and as senior U.S. officials (both current and former) visited Taiwan. More importantly, the Trump administration was the first – since former President Richard Nixon’s opening to China – to oppose the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and defend the interests of the free world.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) hated the Trump administration and its advisers on China policy – ​​particularly Mike Pompeo, Matthew Pottinger, David Stilwell, and Miles Yu, among others. That’s all you need to know.

So remember, always look at what Donald Trump does, not what he says.

How will the new cabinet members handle issues relating to Taiwan’s security?

The two cabinet members most involved in Taiwan issues—Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, designated secretary of state and national security adviser, respectively—strongly opposed the Chinese communists and have a proven track record of specific legislative efforts to resist and roll back PRC aggression and misconduct.

Both understand the importance of Taiwan to the free world and will go to great lengths to defend the island and enable it to defend itself, assuming Taipei is willing to do so.

During his campaign, Mr. Trump demanded that Taiwan pay protection fees, sparking heated discussions. Should we be worried?

This is a concocted controversy. Mr. Trump rightly observed that Taiwan does not spend enough on its own defense – and, in fact, has not done so in 30 years.

Donald Trump understands that the majority of American public opinion will not tolerate sending Americans to die for Taiwan, while Taiwan is not doing everything in its power to defend itself. This is the reality of American politics today. Taipei must understand this too.

This position resonates with most Americans, especially those whose children serve in the U.S. military. It applies not only to Taiwan, but also to European countries, Japan, Australia and Canada.

The United States is also expected to put increased pressure on Taiwan’s defense budget. What kind of measures do you think Taiwan should take to respond?

Above all, we must recognize this pressure on defense spending. This is a function of Taiwan’s desire to improve its overall defense, not just allocate more money to the defense budget.

Then do the following:

• Prepare Taiwanese public opinion for a possible war. Visitors to Taiwan are often struck by the lack of concern – or even indifference – of the Taiwanese population regarding the nearby threat from the PRC.

• Significantly increase defense spending.

• Reorganize the Taiwanese military and its operational concepts so that it represents a more difficult challenge for the People’s Liberation Army. Doing so will likely require retiring a number of senior officers and giving younger, less narrow-minded officers the opportunity to reform the Taiwanese military and the way it fights.

• Repair Taiwan’s military reserve system, which is currently in disrepair. It is nowhere near as effective as it should be and could be.

• Develop a real civil defense program for all of Taiwan that directly involves the civilian population in national defense activities.

• Counter the political war waged by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aggressively target its fifth column, which is located in Taiwan, and carry out serious counterintelligence action against those who spy for the CCP in Taiwan. It seems that there are many of them.

• Invest heavily in long-range precision weapons, smart sea mines, offensive cyber capabilities, and strengthening Taiwan’s communications networks to improve its chances of surviving a Chinese assault.

• Halt Taiwan’s disastrous shift toward renewable energy and strengthen the island’s energy infrastructure and conventional energy stocks.

• Do everything possible to show the United States that the country is trying to defend itself and that it can do it.

If you can achieve all or most of these goals, U.S. support will be much more likely.

Many call Donald Trump an isolationist and fear he will remove America’s stabilizing presence in world affairs. Should we be worried?

Non.

Mr. Trump (and his supporters) are often called “isolationists” – but what is the evidence? Look at the four years of his first term (2017-2021) and prove to me that he is indeed an isolationist.

Has the United States withdrawn from the world? No.

Which permanent US forces deployed in Asia-Pacific or Europe have been repatriated? None.

Which alliance with an ally ended? None.

Wanting the United States to be cautious about getting involved in wars abroad – and sending young Americans to their deaths – does not make Donald Trump an isolationist.

Likewise, insisting that our allies and friends spend more of their money and sacrifice more of their young does not make him an isolationist.

In fact, it’s a matter of common sense.

The United States cannot and must not be the world’s policeman, especially for partners who take Americans and their protection for granted. And yes, I am referring to Europeans, Australians and Japanese, among others.

Furthermore, defending the U.S. economy against unfair trade practices by other countries is not an isolationist act. For decades, it was assumed that the United States could absorb the damage caused by other countries (even our friends) that manipulated trade practices to their advantage.

Wanting to revive the American manufacturing industry is not isolationist behavior, since the American ruling class has outsourced too much of it abroad over the last 40 years. The carnage inflicted on the American working class was as damaging as a real war.

The term “isolationist” is just an insult thrown at Mr. Trump without any real evidence, just like calling him (and his supporters) fascists and Nazis. Few of those who insult Donald Trump have children serving in the military, and they are not much affected by the damage caused by other nations’ unfair trade practices or by the opening of borders over the past four years.

Any final advice for Taiwan?

Do everything possible and more to show that Taiwan will fiercely defend its freedom. The CCP will consider this and, more importantly, the United States and free nations around the world will be more willing to provide its protection. This is why Ukraine received such support. She fought courageously to defend herself. Taiwan must prepare now.

God helps those who help themselves.

The United States too.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Epoch Times.