Top Trump Adviser Urges Taiwan to Boost Defense Spending Amid Chinese Threat

Robert O'Brien, a top national security adviser to former President Donald Trump, emphasized the need for Taiwan to significantly boost its defense spending to counter potential Chinese aggression. Speaking at the Republican National Convention, O'Brien suggested that Taiwan should consider allocating at least 5% of its GDP to military preparedness. The discussion follows Trump's earlier remarks that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for its defense.

Robert O'Brien, a senior national security adviser to former President Donald Trump, emphasized on Wednesday the necessity for Taiwan to significantly ramp up its defense spending to counter potential Chinese aggression. Speaking at a Bloomberg Roundtable during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, O'Brien suggested that Taiwan should consider allocating at least 5% of its GDP to military preparedness, though he referred to this figure as an estimate.

O'Brien's comments come after Trump's recent assertion that Taiwan should pay the United States for its defense services, stating that the island nation has benefited extensively from U.S. security measures. O'Brien elaborated on Trump's stance, indicating that Taiwan should share the burden of its own defense more equitably with the U.S. amidst growing threats from the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.

Washington has been focusing on strengthening regional security through efforts like 'Fortress Taiwan,' amid increasing Chinese military maneuvers. Taiwan has historically purchased its military equipment from the U.S. rather than relying on aid, a point reinforced by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who noted that support from the U.S. has never been charity. Despite recent increases in its defense budget, Taiwan's spending remains dwarfed by China's colossal military expenditures.

(With inputs from agencies.)