Fri Jan 17 07:05:50 UTC 2025: ## Pence Urges Trump to Recommit to Taiwan’s Defense
**Taipei, Taiwan –** Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence concluded a visit to Taiwan on January 17, 2025, urging the incoming Trump administration to reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan’s defense. Speaking at an event in Taipei, Pence stressed that the U.S. should not abandon its Pacific allies and called for renewed support, including arms sales and the negotiation of a free trade agreement.
While the Trump administration, during Pence’s previous term, provided strong backing to Taiwan, Trump’s recent campaign rhetoric caused concern in Taipei. Trump had suggested Taiwan should pay for its own defense and accused the island of unfair business practices.
Pence’s visit aimed to counter this uncertainty. He emphasized the bipartisan consensus in Washington regarding China’s growing strategic and economic threat, asserting that American support for Taiwan remains strong. He explicitly called on the new administration and freedom-loving nations to provide Taiwan with the necessary means for self-defense.
Pence’s visit comes amid escalating military pressure from China, which refuses to acknowledge Taiwan’s democratically elected president, Lai Ching-te, as its leader. While Taiwan’s president has offered talks, he rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, bound by law to provide defensive capabilities while officially recognizing China.
First Piper 