Former US defense official Ely Ratner urged the Trump administration to help Taiwan strengthen its defense. That's as Taipei is stepping up its own security efforts, with its 2026 budget proposing a record 3.32% of GDP for defense spending, aiming for 5% by 2030.
00:00A former U.S. defense official has urged the Trump administration to help Taiwan boost its self-defense capabilities, saying it's tied to Washington's own interests.
00:11One of the most important things the United States can do to protect its own interests in the Indo-Pacific and thereby globally is to help Taiwan strengthen its own defenses and resilience.
00:22So Taiwan has a major role here.
00:24Eli Ratner previously served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs.
00:32His comments come after a recent Washington Post report that Trump rejected a military aid package to Taiwan due to his trade negotiations with China.
00:41Taiwan Foreign Minister Ling Jialong, speaking at the same event via video, emphasized that Taiwan is stepping up its defense effort as shown in its military budget for next year.
00:52The 2026 government budget proposal earmarked a record 3.32 percent of GDP for defense-related spending.
01:04This number will steadily rise as Taiwan aims for 5 percent of GDP by 2030.
01:13Ling stressed that Taiwan-U.S. security ties are mutually beneficial.
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