Former NSA Warns 'Taiwan Is Potentially Toast' If Trump Secures A Second Term

Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton has raised alarms about Taiwan’s future if Donald Trump secures another term as president.

What Happened: During an interview on the BBC’s HARDtalk published on Wednesday, Bolton expressed his deep concerns for Taiwan under a potential second Trump administration.

Bolton recalled moments in the Oval Office where Trump would illustrate Taiwan’s vulnerability by comparing it to the tip of a Sharpie pen, with China represented by the desk. This led Bolton to conclude that “Taiwan is potentially toast.”

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Bolton, who served under Trump from April 2018 to September 2019, has previously criticized Trump as “unfit” for office but stated he would not support either candidate.

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Why It Matters: Trump has criticized Taiwan and suggested the island nation should pay for U.S. defense, likening it to an insurance arrangement. Taiwanese officials have emphasized self-reliance in defense, while some lawmakers question the U.S. commitment under another Trump administration.

Post Trump’s comment, Raymond Greene, the newly appointed quasi-ambassador from the U.S. to Taiwan, praised Taiwan’s defense efforts. Greene expressed confidence in Taiwan’s defense reforms, which he believes contribute to stability across the Taiwan Strait and the broader security scenario in the Indo-Pacific.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari