Taiwan Minister Warns of China's Pacific Expansion, Calls for Allied Cooperation

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that China's military expansion poses a threat not just to Taiwan but to the entire Pacific region. In a video interview with the BBC's "Newshour" program on August 13, 2026, Wu emphasized the need for democratic and like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific's first island chain to strengthen their cooperation to counter authoritarian growth.

Wu addressed Taiwan's defense posture, noting that the island has increased its defense budget to 3.3% of GDP and plans to reach 5% by 2030 to deter potential Chinese aggression. He also touched upon Taiwan-U.S. relations, referencing the Taiwan Relations Act and ongoing arms sales. Wu cited U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's public statements that arms sales are under review, not suspended, and expressed confidence in their progression and delivery.

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China's military expansion is not just targeting Taiwan, but involves the entire Pacific region; democratic and like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific's first island chain should strengthen cooperation to jointly respond to authoritarian expansion.

Responding to remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth about shifting U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific towards maintaining a balance of power and ending the era of subsidizing wealthy nations' defense, Wu highlighted the concept of "burden sharing." He reiterated President Trump's past emphasis that "Taiwan is Taiwan" and not a bargaining chip, underscoring the continued space for development in Taiwan-U.S. relations following the leaders' summit in May.

Wu also expressed concern that Beijing might exploit current global situations, such as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and affirmed Taiwan's commitment to closely monitoring these developments.

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Taiwan is Taiwan, and not a bargaining chip.