US will not abandon Pacific allies, former Vice President Pence says in Taipei

17/1/2025 16:17

The United States will not abandon its allies in the Pacific and the incoming Trump administration should renew its commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said in Taipei on Friday.



Trump's first administration, in which Pence served, offered strong support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan, including the regularisation of arms sales.



But Trump, who takes office on Monday for a second term, unnerved Taiwan on the campaign trail by calling for the democratically-governed island to pay to be defended and accusing it of stealing U.S. semiconductor business.



Making his first visit to Taiwan, Pence said he prayed for a peaceful future for the region.



In addition to military support, the Trump administration should also begin negotiations for a free trade pact with Taiwan, Pence added, a deal the government in Taipei has long sought.