Taiwan should pay attention to whether Trump makes additional commitments to enhance the security of US allies in the first island chain during his meeting with Takaichi, Su said. Japan is confronting the increased threat from North Korean ballistic missiles, and its interest in intelligence and technology cooperation with the US would improve regional missile defense, Su said. Her move to meet with Trump before he meets with Xi also emphasizes Japan’s importance to the Indo-Pacific region, he said. Countering China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific region remains Washington’s most important strategic objective, he said. Trump’s request that China escort ships in the Hormuz Strait presses it to share responsibility for global security, Su added.

Source: Taipei Times March 17, 2026 17:11 UTC