NEW YORK (TVBS News)—The Wall Street Journal editorial on Thursday (July 18) responded to former President Donald Trump's recent comments on Taiwan, warning that losing Taiwan to the Chinese Communist Party would end the U.S. Pacific alliance system that has maintained peace for 80 years. The editorial, titled "Trump's Biggest Volatility Risk? Taiwan," emphasized Taiwan's importance beyond its semiconductor industry.
Trump, in an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek (彭博商業周刊), stated, "I think Taiwan should pay us for defense. You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything." He further complained, "How stupid are we? They took all of our chip business. They're immensely wealthy."
The editorial noted that Taiwan is appropriately increasing its defense spending and extending military service. However, it also said that Beijing has been undertaking the most significant military buildup since World War II, while the U.S. has not rearmed to face this challenge. Despite Taiwan's efforts, facing amphibious assaults and coastal blockades alone remains difficult.
The Wall Street Journal explained that Trump's confusion over why the U.S. should be concerned about Taiwan overlooks the broader implications. If Taiwan falls to China, it would signify the end of the U.S. Pacific alliance system, which could provoke conflicts in the South China Sea involving U.S. allies like the Philippines.
The editorial concluded that while Trump claims to be a president who prevents wars, his exaggerated actions could incite conflict, endangering thousands of American lives. The Taiwan issue is about preventing a catastrophic war, not endless strife.
