A Roadmap for Strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan Partnership: Takeaways from a Strategic Visit
A delegation led by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) recently visited Taiwan to explore opportunities for strengthening the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. Consisting of U.S. national security and business leaders, the eight-member delegation identified key takeaways from the trip that could inform the Trump administration’s policies.
Optimism and Uncertainty: A Mix of Views on Taiwan Policy
While some of President Donald Trump’s selections for top administration roles have expressed previously held views on Taiwan, there is a general mix of optimism and uncertainty regarding the direction the administration will take on security and economic matters related to Taiwan.
Defense Spending: A Shared Priority
The delegation stressed the importance of increasing defense spending, particularly among NATO allies. In Trump’s first term, increasing defense spending was a centerpiece of his administration. The delegation emphasized the need for national unity on defense and called on elected officials from all parties to fulfill their commitment to increasing defense spending. This notion of burden-sharing is likely to resonate with the Trump administration.
Learning from Ukraine: Lessons for Taiwan’s Security
The delegation highlighted the situation in Ukraine and how the West handled Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Biden administration has provided military assistance to Ukraine through the Presidential Drawdown Authority and Foreign Military Sales. The delegation argued that these tools could enhance Taiwan’s capabilities and contribute to peace and stability in the region.
Commitment to Peace through Strength
During the meeting, David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, emphasized the importance of a continued commitment to peace through strength. He called for a robust partnership with Taiwan and sustained U.S. deterrence in the face of China’s ongoing aggression in the South China Sea and online influence.
Investments in Security: Taiwan’s Responsibility
Trulio acknowledged Taiwan’s serious investments in its security but emphasized the need for Taiwan’s leaders to deliver on their commitment to increase defense spending and enhance operational capabilities. Currently, Taiwan spends 2.45% of its GDP on defense, and there is a plan to further increase the defense budget. Defense spending has already seen an 80% increase since 2016, with the defense budget accounting for 15% of the total budget in 2024, according to Taiwan’s government.
The Importance of U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
Arming Taiwan has been a longstanding practice, with Taiwan being one of the largest purchasers of U.S. weapons through the Foreign Military Sales process. The delegation warned that not receiving weapons would diminish Taiwan’s security and enable China to claim that the United States is an unreliable partner.
China’s Response: Warning Against “Dangerous Moves”
China takes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan seriously. In response to the additional $571 million in defense materials authorized by President Joe Biden in December, China warned the U.S. against “dangerous moves” that undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to stop arming Taiwan.
Conclusion: A Stronger U.S.-Taiwan Partnership
The takeaways from the RRPFI delegation’s visit to Taiwan provide a roadmap of ideas for the Trump administration to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. With a focus on defense spending, lessons from Ukraine, and the importance of arms sales, the delegation’s insights can inform policies that contribute to peace and stability in the region.
