GOP Presidential Candidate Clashes With Fox News Anchor Over Taiwan Defense: 'They're Not Just A Factory'

Vivek Ramaswamy and Fox News anchor John Roberts found themselves at odds over the Republican presidential candidate’s stance on Taiwan’s defense against China.

What Happened: Ramaswamy has distinctly positioned himself in the GOP primary race with unique viewpoints on key policy issues. His controversial proposals include withholding aid for Ukraine against Russia and suggesting a territorial compromise in eastern Ukraine to dissolve Moscow’s military alliance with China, The Hill reported.

Roberts grilled Ramaswamy on his endorsement of defending Taiwan based solely on its semiconductor production. “You've said that you'd fully back Taiwan until the US becomes independent with semiconductors. So what happens after that point? Do we just give Taiwan to China?” Roberts asked, emphasizing that Taiwan is more than just a production hub.

"Don't we also support a robust democracy off China's shores…They're not just a factory," he added.

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Ramaswamy clarified his stance, asserting it was not a surrender plan but a strategy of “strategic ambiguity” — withholding strategy details and pledging to continue support for Taiwan until the U.S. achieves semiconductor independence.

Why It Matters: Ramaswamy’s controversial position and lack of foreign policy experience also attracted criticism during the first Republican primary debate. Notably, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and ex-Vice President Mike Pence questioned his readiness for the presidency, with Pence remarking, “We don’t need to bring in a rookie.”

Ramaswamy has been actively proposing unconventional methods to protect Taiwan without instigating war with China. His foreign policy strategies have previously been deemed “criminally stupid” and “utterly disqualifying” by pundit Marc Thiessen.

Meanwhile, the tensions between China and Taiwan have been escalating, with Chinese President Xi Jinping signaling China's military readiness for a potential assault on Taiwan, as showcased in a recent eight-part documentary series featuring the People's Liberation Army.

Photo by Juli Hansen on Shutterstock