Omission of Taiwan from Trump’s new U S National Defense Strategy has generated unease in Taipei

Описание: The release of President Donald Trump’s new U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS) has sparked growing concern in Taiwan after the document notably omitted any direct mention of Taiwan—a sharp contrast to the 2022 strategy under the Biden administration. While previous versions explicitly warned of China’s threats toward Taiwan, the new strategy focuses instead on building a “strong denial defense along the First Island Chain,” a region that includes Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines without naming them directly.

This shift in language has raised alarms among Taiwanese politicians and security analysts, who fear the island could become a bargaining chip in broader U.S.–China negotiations. Opposition figures from Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party warn that the omission may signal Washington prioritizing improved relations with Beijing over Taiwan’s security. Others argue that the silence is intentional, allowing the U.S. greater diplomatic flexibility while still maintaining deterrence.

Pentagon officials insist that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, pointing to continued military cooperation and a recent record-breaking $11 billion arms sale to Taipei. The strategy document also reaffirms the goal of preventing any attempt by China to seize Taiwan by force, even if it avoids explicit wording.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to rise. On February 1, 2026, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported new Chinese military activity near the island, including PLA aircraft sorties and naval vessels operating in surrounding waters. These incursions follow intensified Chinese “gray zone” tactics aimed at pressuring Taiwan without triggering open conflict.

The updated strategy also places greater emphasis on homeland defense and the Western Hemisphere, potentially reducing focus on the Indo-Pacific as the primary theater. This has fueled debate over whether U.S. priorities are shifting at a critical moment for Taiwan’s security.

Is the omission a worrying signal—or simply strategic ambiguity? And how will it affect the delicate balance between the U.S., China, and Taiwan?

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing geopolitical story.