US President-elect Donald Trump would accelerate the delivery of American arms and military equipment to Taiwan, incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz announced.
At the US Institute of Peace in Washington, Waltz reported a backlog of more than $20 billion in weapons and equipment bought by Taiwan. In addition to expediting supplies as part of a strategy to deter China, Trump will also continue to forge partnerships and alliances throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The security adviser praised the efforts of the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden to promote co-operation between Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and the US. He also emphasised the growing importance of India as a potential partner in the region.
Taiwan declared its independence in 1949 after the defeat of Kuomintang forces, led by Chiang Kai-shek, in a civil war. The island also retained the symbols of the Republic of China, which existed before the Communists took power on the mainland.
The United States severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 in favour of establishing relations with China. In subsequent years, however, Washington, despite supporting the One China policy, has supplied Taiwan with arms and maintained unofficial ties.
