Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has sounded the alarm bells about Taiwan’s future if Donald Trump secures another term as president. In an interview published on Wednesday by the BBC’s HARDtalk, Bolton expressed his deep anxieties regarding Taiwan’s fate under a potential second Trump administration.
Bolton recalled moments inside the Oval Office where Trump would illustrate Taiwan’s vulnerability by comparing it to the tip of a Sharpie pen, with China represented by the desk. This analogy, according to Bolton, led him to conclude that “Taiwan is potentially toast.” This stark warning comes as the U.S. presidential election approaches, with polls suggesting a tight race between Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Bolton, who served under Trump from April 2018 to September 2019, has previously criticized Trump as “unfit” for office but stated he would not support either candidate in the upcoming election.
Trump’s past comments regarding Taiwan have raised concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to the island nation’s security. He has criticized Taiwan, suggesting it should pay for U.S. defense, likening it to an insurance arrangement. These statements have fueled anxieties within Taiwan about the U.S.’s stance on their defense, particularly under a potential second Trump administration.
In response to Trump’s comments, Taiwanese officials have emphasized their commitment to self-reliance in defense, while some lawmakers have questioned the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s security under another Trump presidency. However, Raymond Greene, the newly appointed quasi-ambassador from the U.S. to Taiwan, has praised Taiwan’s defense efforts, expressing confidence in their defense reforms and their contribution to stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Bolton’s concerns highlight the delicate geopolitical situation surrounding Taiwan, which is a key strategic point in the Asia-Pacific region. The potential outcome of the U.S. presidential election will have significant implications for Taiwan’s future and the broader regional security landscape.
