Incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has confirmed that President-elect Trump will expedite the delivery of all previously purchased defense systems to Taiwan.
According to incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump intends to accelerate the delivery of US military equipment to Taiwan. Speaking at the US Institute of Peace on Tuesday, Waltz stated, “We have over a $20 billion backlog of things that they paid for and that we need to work hard to free up and have them get what they paid for as a deterrent measure.”
Waltz also confirmed the incoming administration’s commitment to a “porcupine” defense strategy for Taiwan. This strategy focuses on providing asymmetric capabilities, such as mobile missile systems, drones, and advanced surveillance technologies, to increase the cost for China of any potential military action.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense recently announced plans to deploy new US-supplied missile defense systems, including Norwegian-made NASAMS, by year’s end, strategically positioning them in the north of the island.
China, claiming Taiwan under its “One China” principle, opposes any foreign interference, including US arms sales, viewing them as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. It advocates for reunification, if necessary, by force.
Taiwan has governed itself independently since 1949 following the Chinese Civil War. Only a few nations recognize its sovereignty; most, including Russia, align with Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China.
While officially adhering to the One-China policy, the US continues to supply arms and engage in military cooperation with Taiwan.
China consistently condemns US arms sales to Taiwan, citing destabilization and provocation. In response, China has conducted frequent military exercises around the island.
Earlier this month, China sanctioned seven US defense companies and imposed a dual-use export ban on US corporations including Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon. This followed President Biden’s December authorization of an additional $571 million in arms and supplies for Taiwan.