Dr. Mark T. Esper, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, warned that Donald Trump might "weaken the relationship with Taiwan" if he is reelected in the latest TVBS Meeting Room on Monday (July 17).
TVBS Commentator Wenchi Yu sat down with Esper and Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, discussing the relationship between the U.S., China, and Taiwan in the post-Trump era.
In his new book, "A Sacred Oath," Esper highlighted the danger of Trump as the U.S. president and his "lack of respect for the professional decision-making process in the U.S. government," according to Yu.
Esper pointed out that although the U.S. has viewed China as "a strategic competitor" under the Trump administration, he would not personally give a lot of credit to Donald Trump. "I think it was a well-crafted policy by his national security adviser at the time."
Esper expressed his concerns about how Trump valued more on his relationship with Xi Jinping. And worried that if elected, Trump "would ultimately work to pull ourselves out of NATO, pull U.S. forces out of Korea or Japan, and maybe weaken the relationship with Taiwan," Esper said.
When asked if he would join the Trump administration should Trump be elected, Esper responded, "No, I won't join. I don't think Donald Trump is fit to be president for any number of reasons."
On the contrary, many Taiwanese have supported Trump during his presidency and credited him for being tougher on China and supportive of Taiwan. Although the Taiwanese government didn't work directly with President Trump, Taiwan has worked with the U.S. government during those times.
Wu said the officials helped "[elevate] Taiwan's relations with the United States." And Taiwan "owe[s] a lot to those officials who served in the Trump administration."
Furthermore, Wu shared that Taiwan receives "tremendous support" from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, showing the strong relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. He also pointed out that many visiting congressmen have continued to say despite the division in U.S. politics, when it comes to Taiwan, they are united.
"We are confident that no matter who is becoming the new President of the United States, we will continue to enjoy very solid relations with the United States, "Wu said.
