In the continuing fallout from the short, unflashy summit between President Donald Trump and Chairman Xi Jinping, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te made a forceful statement, vowing to boost defense spending. From DW:
“Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by foreign forces, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division, or short-term interests,” Lai said in a speech marking the second year of his presidency. “Taiwan must have the capability to protect itself and to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
This is welcome. It’s been a major talking point from Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby that Taiwan needed to do more to protect itself if it wanted to attract U.S. defense in a crisis.