Hegseth Backs Taiwan, But Trump's Approach Decides US Stance

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signals US support for Taiwan during his Asia tour, but Trump's transactional foreign policy and unpredictable decisions will ultimately dictate America's commitment to Taiwan.

- TDG NETWORK

On Tuesday, China's military launched large-scale joint drills around Taiwan, showcasing an array of ships, aircraft, and even bizarre propaganda videos across the Taiwan Strait. This military show of force was widely interpreted as both a warning and a punitive action against Taiwan's government, which Beijing accuses of engaging in "separatist activity." The provocation came shortly after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te designated China as a "foreign hostile force" in March, accompanied by 17 new measures aimed at countering espionage and influence operations from Beijing.

These military maneuvers were not only meant to intimidate Taiwan but also to send a calculated message to Washington. Beijing's strategic objective was clear: to test the resilience of U.S. support for Taiwan, especially amid the shifting dynamics of the Trump administration's foreign policy.

The timing of the drills was significant, coinciding with the recent diplomatic tour of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth across Asia. His visit, which included meetings with key allies such as Japan and the Philippines, underscored America's ongoing commitment to maintaining strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific. However, China's actions suggested that Beijing was attempting to recalibrate Washington's stance, questioning the reliability of U.S. support for Taiwan's sovereignty.

Hegseth's Reassurances

While Beijing's military drills aimed to destabilize Taiwan's confidence, Hegseth's remarks during his diplomatic tour offered a measure of reassurance. In Tokyo, he met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and declared that the U.S. was "re-establishing deterrence" in the Indo-Pacific, suggesting that America's commitment to countering China's aggressive posture had not diminished.