US demands clarity from allies on their role in potential war over Taiwan, FT reports

The Financial Times reported that the request caught both Tokyo and Canberra off guard, as the US itself does not offer a blank check guarantee to defend Taiwan.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
IN RESPONSE to threats posed across the Taiwan Strait, the island has significantly bolstered its defenses. Here, a soldier is seen in front of a Hsiung Feng III mobile missile launcher during Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visit to the base in October. (photo credit: REUTERS/TYRONE SIU)
IN RESPONSE to threats posed across the Taiwan Strait, the island has significantly bolstered its defenses. Here, a soldier is seen in front of a Hsiung Feng III mobile missile launcher during Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visit to the base in October.
(photo credit: REUTERS/TYRONE SIU)

The Pentagon is urging Japan and Australia to clarify what role they would play if the US and China went to war over Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.

Elbridge Colby, the US Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy, has been pushing the matter during recent talks with defense officials of both countries, the report said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

According to the newspaper, the reported request caught both Tokyo and Canberra off guard, as the US itself does not offer a blank check guarantee to defend Taiwan.

TAIWAN HAS taken several lessons from the Israel-Iran War, as tensions with China continue to rise. Here, Taiwanese reservists participate in pre-combat training on the first day of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Miaoli on Wednesday. (credit: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)
TAIWAN HAS taken several lessons from the Israel-Iran War, as tensions with China continue to rise. Here, Taiwanese reservists participate in pre-combat training on the first day of the annual Han Kuang military exercise in Miaoli on Wednesday. (credit: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

Military pressure mounts against Taiwan

Reuters could not verify the report. The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The US is Taiwan's most important arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, including several rounds of war games, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims over the island. Taiwan rejects China's assertion of sovereignty.

Colby was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development during President Donald Trump's first term. Colby is known for arguing that the US military should prioritize competition with China and shift its focus from the Middle East and Europe.



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