US demands clarity from allies over Taiwan

Taiwan deployed its High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) during intensified military drills, demonstrating readiness to defend against a potential Chinese invasion. The Pentagon urged Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in a possible war between the United States and China over Taiwan, a request that surprised Tokyo and Canberra, as the U.S. has not made an explicit guarantee to defend Taiwan. U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby raised the issue in recent talks with defense officials from both countries. Colby later posted on X that the Pentagon remains focused on the president’s agenda, which includes encouraging allies to increase defense spending and enhance collective security efforts. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has increased military pressure on the island over the past five years with near-daily air and naval patrols. Taiwan maintains it is a sovereign state and says only its people can determine its future.