TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China suggested on Wednesday (Oct. 30) that if Donald Trump became president, he could “discard” Taiwan to pursue an “America First” policy. 

In the lead-up to the US presidential election, Trump has repeatedly accused Taiwan of stealing the US chip business and said Taiwan should pay to be protected, per Reuters. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) was asked about Trump's comments on Wednesday, including his plans to impose tariffs on China if it were to “go into Taiwan.”

According to Zhu, “Whether the United States is trying to protect or harm Taiwan, I believe most of our Taiwan compatriots have already made a rational judgment and know very clearly that what the United States pursues is always America First.” Zhu was referring to the slogan used by Trump about prioritizing US interests.

Taiwan’s people know that “Taiwan at any time may turn from a pawn to a discarded child,” Zhu claimed. The spokesperson was reportedly referring to the game Go, where a player sacrifices a smaller piece for greater advantage.

In addition, TAO criticized the US government’s US$2 billion arms package for Taiwan announced on Oct. 25, including surface-to-air missiles and radar systems, the 17th and largest under the Biden administration. 

“I sternly warn the Lai Ching-te administration that buying weapons won’t buy security,” said Zhu.