Florida [US]: US President-elect Donald Trump described Taiwan as “a major issue for world peace” during a meeting with Akie Abe, widow of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the Mar-a-Lago estate on December 15, the Taipei Times reported.
The meeting covered several global challenges, including the Russo-Ukrainian war and escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Trump’s remarks underscored the potential global repercussions of a Taiwan-China conflict, signaling that his administration would prioritize addressing the situation.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed interest in organizing diplomatic engagements between Trump and Japanese officials.
“We want to create an opportunity to exchange opinions as soon as possible and at a mutually convenient time,” Iwaya said.
During the meeting, Trump presented Akie Abe with a book of photos inscribed with the word “peace,” intended for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Although Trump has not yet met with Ishiba, Japanese media suggested Ishiba may visit the US next month, prior to Trump’s inauguration, to discuss mutual interests.
This indicates that Taiwan and related security concerns will likely play a prominent role in the US-Japan diplomatic agenda under the new administration.
In related developments, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, president of the US-Taiwan Business Council, commented on the US’s approval of a $265 million arms sale to Taiwan. The deal includes 309 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems Variant 5, as well as integration support for Taiwan’s Patriot missile defense systems and F-16 Block 20 jets.
This marks the 19th arms deal approved for Taiwan under the Biden administration and reflects broader US efforts to bolster its allies, including Israel and Ukraine.
Hammond-Chambers acknowledged the significance of the continued arms support but stressed its limitations:
“While the constant flow of support has material and political benefits, it has, regrettably, been overly narrow in response to the totality of the threat posed by China’s military forces.”
Looking ahead, he noted that Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is expected to pursue an ambitious security agenda with the incoming Trump administration, including increased defense spending and expanded military capabilities.
“Lai will likely present the incoming Trump administration with an ambitious agenda, including increased spending, requests to purchase new platforms and systems, and expanding resources available for the coast guard sustainment and training,” Hammond-Chambers added.
With regional tensions persisting, Taiwan’s push for enhanced defense capabilities is likely to remain a critical issue for the US and its allies.