Would Trump defend Taiwan?

Former U.S. president may see issue simply as leverage in China talks

20240725 Trump Taiwan

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested Taiwan pay the U.S. for its defense. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP and Taiwan Military News Agency/Taiwan's Defense Ministry/AP)

HIROYUKI AKITA, Nikkei commentator

TOKYO -- As U.S. President Joe Biden has abandoned his quest for a second term, the Democratic Party is scrambling for a new strategy for the Nov. 5 presidential election. With just over three months remaining until the vote, former President Donald Trump is reveling in renewed momentum for his campaign.

As the world is captivated by the race, Trump's comments about Taiwan have caused a stir. In an interview with Bloomberg published July 16, Trump said Taiwan had captured "almost 100%" of the U.S. semiconductor industry, adding the island should pay the U.S. for defending it from China.

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