TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A “growing specter of conflict” hangs over Taiwan and other Asian nations, as the planet teeters on the edge of World War III, presidential nominee Donald Trump said in his speech at the end of the Republican National Convention Thursday (July 18).

Foreign policy only played a small part in an address which focused on the July 13 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and on domestic policies. Nevertheless, he also mentioned major conflicts worldwide, adding they would not have occurred if he had been president.

After he mentioned how war was raging in Europe and the Middle East, Trump turned to Asia, CNBC reported. He said a “growing specter of conflict” was hanging over Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines and all of Asia. He warned the planet was “teetering on the edge of World War III,” which would be “a war like no other.”

In interviews during the convention, Trump criticized Taiwan for allegedly “stealing” chip technology from the United States and for not paying enough for its defense. 

The statements were rebutted by business leaders and officials, pointing out that Taiwan was paying for the weapons it procured from the U.S.