• Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo states the US cannot abandon the Indo-Pacific, citing it as a core national interest.
• Concerns are rising in Taiwan about the reliability of US security commitments, especially amid tensions with China.
• Koo emphasizes the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea for both Taiwan and the US.
• The backdrop of this statement includes the strained relations between Trump and Zelenskyy, leading to fears for US support.
• The US remains Taiwan's primary international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo has declared it "impossible" for the United States to retreat from the Indo-Pacific region, as it is viewed as a crucial part of its "core national interests." This assertion comes in light of growing uncertainties regarding U.S. security commitments to Taiwan, particularly as tensions escalate with China, which seeks to assert sovereignty over the democratic island. "We indeed noticed the fast-changing and tricky international situation and deeply understand that we can't just talk about values but not national interests," Koo remarked during a press briefing. He further posed the question of whether ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, aligns with U.S. national interests. Koo affirmed that the U.S. commitment is integral in achieving long-term security for Taiwan. "I think it is impossible for the United States to retreat from the Indo-Pacific because it is its core national interest," he stated, emphasizing the longstanding consensus between Taipei and Washington on utilizing deterrence and strength to maintain peace. Amid recently strained U.S.-Ukraine relations due to a clash between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Taiwan is more apprehensive than ever about maintaining reliable U.S. support. Although the U.S. does not formally acknowledge Taiwan as a sovereign nation, the Taiwan Relations Act mandates that it provides methods for Taiwan's self-defense. With the geopolitical stakes rising in the region, the outcome of U.S. foreign policy decisions will significantly impact Taiwan’s future. For further details, see Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.