Former President Trump's comments on Taiwan's defense spending have sparked a debate, with some expressing varying degrees of agreement and others pointing out that Taiwan is still waiting for some $19 billion worth of already-purchased American weapons.
A U.S. House delegation led by Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul has met with members of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan to discuss defense spending and other issues. The visit comes amid ongoing discussions about whether Taiwan should pay more for its own defense.
Former President Trump recently stated that Taiwan should pay for its own defense, arguing that the United States is essentially acting as an insurance company for the island nation. These comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some agreeing to some extent, while others point out Taiwan's existing defense spending and the backlog of American weapons it has already purchased.
Taiwan's Defense Spending: A Matter of Debate
Taiwan has recently increased its defense budget, but the percentage of GDP spent on defense still falls short of the 3% threshold demanded by Trump. Taiwan is not a member of NATO, which requires members to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense.
Experts have expressed varying opinions on the issue. Some, like Taipei-based lawyer and political commentator Ross Feingold, believe Taiwan needs to spend more on defense, while others, like Huang Kwei-bo of Taipei's National Cheng Chi University, argue that Taiwan is already a reliable partner in the region.
Taiwan's Defense Spending: A Matter of Debate
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has stated that Taiwan must rely on itself for defense and will both modernize its military and increase spending. The foreign minister emphasized the consensus on the "China threat," which poses a danger to world peace.
The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) obliges the United States to provide Taiwan with defensive arms and to maintain the capacity to resist any force or coercion that would threaten Taiwan's security or socio-economic stability. However, the TRA does not contain any provision obligating Taiwan to pay for its defense.
Taiwan's Defense Spending: A Matter of Debate
Taiwan is still waiting for some $19 billion worth of already-purchased American weapons. The Cato Institute has found that Taiwan experiences longer delivery times than other nations for certain weapons systems, such as HIMARS, F-16s, and Abrams tanks.
Should Trump return to office, there is a consensus that he will likely be surrounded by a pro-Taiwan team, aware of the dangers posed by China. Feingold believes that the U.S. will not abandon Taiwan, even if spending does not reach the levels suggested by Trump's former national security adviser.
Taiwan's Defense Spending: A Matter of Debate
The debate over Taiwan's defense spending is complex, with multiple perspectives and nuances. The issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion both within Taiwan and between Taiwan and its allies.
