TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday (Jan. 6) asserted that Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) will not dictate the future of Asia or Taiwan. Speaking at a Formosa Republican Association (福和會) forum, Pompeo emphasized that the U.S. has developed an effective deterrence model targeting nations that undermine international rules and shared U.S.-Taiwan values.
Pompeo, who visited Taiwan for President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration in May, noted his inability to visit Taiwan while serving as Secretary of State but expressed hope that current Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio will visit, given their shared ideals. Addressing skepticism about U.S. commitment, Pompeo described the U.S. presence during Taiwan's critical moments as a "moral response" rooted in shared values.
Pompeo highlighted the importance of a successful and sustained deterrence model, which would benefit the Trump administration and the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. He stressed the need to send a clear message to Beijing. He reiterated that the era of "strategic ambiguity" is over, urging recognition of the facts to avoid increased risks and regional tensions.
Pompeo also pointed out China's efforts to divert young Americans from fundamental constitutional values and its attempts to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty. He affirmed U.S. collaboration with Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Indo-Pacific countries to implement deterrence, noting Trump's understanding of this necessity.
