US defence strategy omission sparks concern in Taiwan over Trump’s intentions

Taiwan's Missing Role in US Defence Strategy Sparks Concern

The recent release of the 2026 United States National Defence Strategy has raised alarms in Taiwan, as the island’s absence from the document has led to speculation about a possible shift in Washington’s stance towards the region. While previous strategies explicitly mentioned Beijing’s pressure on Taiwan and pledged support for asymmetric defence, the latest version makes no reference to the island.

Analysts suggest that this change could indicate Trump's prioritisation of stabilising relations with China over maintaining strong ties with Taiwan. However, Taiwanese officials have expressed worries that this omission might signal a reduction in US support, leaving them in a vulnerable position.

The move has further deepened the divide between those who believe Trump is using Taiwan as a bargaining chip in his efforts to forge a more harmonious relationship with Beijing, and those who remain concerned about the potential impact on regional stability.