• Former Vice President Mike Pence has arrived in Taiwan to reinforce U.S. support amid Chinese aggression.
• Pence warns that reducing aid to Taiwan could spark a new nuclear arms race in Asia.
• He calls on President-elect Trump to renew commitments to Taiwan's military and economic needs.
• Pence emphasizes the importance of Taiwanese autonomy in the face of potential Chinese annexation.
• The U.S. remains Taiwan's primary arms supplier, bolstering its defense against China.

Former Vice President Mike Pence landed in Taiwan on a critical diplomatic mission amidst escalating fears of a Chinese takeover of the island. Speaking in Taipei, Pence met with President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to discuss ways to bolster Taiwan's defense against increasing military pressure from mainland China. Pence's visit comes shortly before Donald Trump is inaugurated for his second term, making his message even more pointed as he seeks to influence the incoming administration’s approach towards Taiwan.

Dismissing any notion of reducing U.S. support, Pence stated, “if the Chinese Communist Party manages to control Taiwan, smaller Asian nations will feel compelled to develop their own nuclear arsenals,” underscoring the risks of a potential nuclear arms race in the region. He urged Trump to reaffirm America’s commitment to Taiwan, which has traditionally relied on U.S. military aid to maintain its autonomy against Beijing's threats, as reported by The Guardian.

Pence criticized Trump's previous comments suggesting that Taiwan should pay for American protection against China, asserting that any reduction in U.S. commitment would be detrimental to global peace and stability. "This would not only destabilize the Asia-Pacific region but also have profound implications for global trade and technology,” he articulated during his visit, emphasizing the unity required among U.S. allies to counter potential threats from China, as detailed by AP News.

During the visit, Pence also advocated for initiating negotiations on a free trade agreement with Taiwan, a move he believes is vital for strengthening economic ties and reinforcing stability against Chinese aggression. “I am convinced that America will never abandon our allies across the Pacific,” he affirmed, reiterating that bipartisan support for Taiwan remains unwavering in Washington, according to Reuters.

Amidst these tensions, Pence's visit serves as a clarion call to both the Taiwanese people and the international community about the critical need for sustained U.S. support, amid a backdrop of increasing Chinese military assertiveness and global geopolitical challenges.