TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Incoming Chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff John D. Caine pledged to continue American support for Taiwan’s defense capabilities during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Caine said there is a severe imbalance of power in the Taiwan Strait. He said the People's Liberation Army can project power through operations and exercises near Taiwan and the region. In contrast, Taiwan's military has grown but remains significantly smaller and lacks comparable capabilities.
Caine promised to work closely with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel Paparo to assess Taiwan's capabilities and needs and provide recommendations.
When asked whether the US should commit to a military response against any Chinese use of force against Taiwan, Caine only reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s policy of opposing unilateral changes to the status quo while ensuring Taiwan maintains a sufficient defense.
Caine stressed that China's threat to US interests in the Indo-Pacific is real and growing. He said the US must work with allies and partners to deter Chinese aggression in the region. However, he warned that the US currently lacks the necessary means and agility to deter adversaries effectively at this critical moment.
On Tuesday, the PLA launched joint army, navy, and rocket force exercises around Taiwan. China's Eastern Theater Command Senior Spokesperson Shi Yi (施毅) said the drills focused on sea-air combat-readiness patrols, seizure of comprehensive control, strikes on maritime and land targets, and blockades.
Shi said the exercises “serve as a stern warning and forceful deterrent against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) condemned the exercises, saying, “China's blatant military provocations not only threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait but also undermine security in the entire region." Lai ordered national security and defense agencies to maintain full situational awareness.
Lai has pledged to increase Taiwan's military spending to 3% of its GDP. The current defense budget is approximately 2.45% of the GDP.
