US defence strategy omission raises alarm in Taiwan over Trump’s intentions

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Lawrence ChungJanuary 31, 2026 at 05:00 AM

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The omission of Taiwan from the United States' 2026 National Defence Strategy has sparked concern in Taiwan. The strategy, released on January 23, contrasts with previous editions that explicitly mentioned Beijing's pressure on Taiwan and pledged support for the island's defense. This absence has led some Taiwanese politicians to believe that Washington may be prioritizing its relationship with Beijing over Taiwan's security. The concern stems from the strategy's increased emphasis on military communication between the US and China, which some interpret as a desire for a more harmonious relationship, particularly with a potential meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping in April. This has raised questions about the reliability of US support for Taiwan, despite significant arms purchases.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Taiwan Strait 30% Lai Shyh-bao ×240% Kuomintang (KMT) 40% Pentagon 50% Xi Jinping 60% Donald Trump ×370% Beijing ×470% United States ×480% Taiwan ×890%

Keywords

taiwan 100% us defence strategy 90% china 80% us-china relations 70% trump 60% military communication 60% national security 50% xi jinping 50% asymmetric defence 50%