Taiwan reassured — and surprised — by Pentagon focus on deterring China

Published on April 23, 2025

The recent internal Pentagon memo, which focuses on deterring China, has brought about mixed reactions from former officials and analysts in Taiwan. While some have welcomed the move as a reassuring sign of U.S. commitment to their security, others are surprised by this shift in focus given that it comes after President Trump suspended U.S. support for Ukraine.

The memo's emphasis on deterring China is seen as an important step towards ensuring Taiwan's safety and stability amidst the growing tensions between Beijing and Washington. This move signals a change in the Pentagon's strategy, which previously seemed to prioritize other regions over East Asia. The decision to focus on China could be interpreted as a response to China's increasing assertiveness in the region, particularly its claims over Taiwan.

However, the timing of this shift has raised eyebrows among some observers who point out that it follows President Trump's decision to suspend U.S. support for Ukraine. This raises questions about whether the Pentagon is prioritizing one potential conflict zone over another or if there are other factors at play in determining its strategic focus.

In conclusion, while the internal Pentagon memo focusing on deterring China has been welcomed by some former officials and analysts in Taiwan as a reassuring sign of U.S. commitment to their security, others remain surprised by this shift in focus given recent events involving Ukraine. The move highlights the complexities involved in managing global conflicts and maintaining strategic alliances while balancing competing interests within different regions.

[Original Article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/31/us-pentagon-taiwan-defense-strategy/) #taiwan #reassured [Visit GhostAI](https://ghostai.pro/)

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