Former vice-president makes surprise visit to Taipei and predicts that if China annexes its neighbour other Asia-Pacific countries will build nuclear arsenals

Summary

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, during a surprise visit to Taipei, warned Donald Trump against reducing U.S. support for Taiwan, saying it could lead to a Chinese takeover and trigger a nuclear arms race in Asia.

Pence emphasized that abandoning Taiwan would undermine U.S. credibility and push smaller nations to develop nuclear weapons for self-defense.

He urged Trump to maintain military aid, negotiate a trade agreement, and reaffirm commitment to Taiwan.

Pence’s comments reflect growing Republican divisions on U.S. foreign policy amid Trump’s critical stance on Taiwan.