Accio Arms! U.S. to Supercharge Taiwan's Defenses, Trump Style (But Hopefully Less Chaotic)

More Bang for Their Buckle?

Well this is a fine kettle of nargles isn't it? I've been poring over reports that the United States is planning to ramp up arms sales to Taiwan and it seems we're about to see a rather... forceful... approach to international relations. Apparently the goal is to exceed even President Trump's first term in terms of weapons dispatched. One can only hope this is done with a bit more finesse than some of his past pronouncements which often left me feeling like I needed a strong calming draught. Honestly sometimes I think people need to prioritize their 'o's and 'w's before making grand statements! It's all rather reminiscent of a certain dark wizard's 'policy' towards anyone who dared challenge him.

Trump's Legacy: From 'You Pay' to 'We Pay'?

It seems President Trump's initial suggestions that Taiwan should shall we say 'contribute' more directly to its own defense has now morphed into the U.S. feeling a need to bolster Taiwan's defenses. These mixed messages remind me of trying to decipher Professor Trelawney's prophecies: utterly confusing! Now the U.S. are apparently committed to enhancing the islands defenses. One official even quoted saying that the President is committed to enhancing hard deterrence for Taiwan. Well that's quite a statement. What next will Umbridge get involved?

Budget Battles: A Little Less Talk A Little More Action

However it's not all smooth sailing. There's a rather significant squabble brewing over defense spending. Taiwan's President Lai Ching te and his Democratic Progressive Party want to increase spending but the opposition parties Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party seem to be dragging their feet. Honestly it reminds me of trying to get Ron to focus on his studying – a monumental task! The U.S. officials are doing their best to try to light a fire under them. They are making it very clear this isn't a Taiwanese partisan question. It is a Taiwanese survival question but will they heed the call?

Whispers in the Corridors: U.S. Diplomacy at Play

The Americans have been putting quite a bit of pressure on Taiwan's opposition parties urging them not to obstruct the increased defense budget. It appears that U.S. officials and congressional visitors have been having 'discussions' with the parties which seems like a polite way of saying they've been giving them a stern talking to. It is really imperative that they don't cut the defense budget especially the coming special defense budget that will be proposed to parliament later this year. All sounds very serious. I can imagine the conversations that have been had!

Taiwan's Stance: Hope for Solidarity

Meanwhile Taiwan's Presidential Office maintains they are determined to strengthen their self defense capabilities and continue to deepen their security cooperation with the United States. President Lai is trying to enhance military deterrence while keeping close ties with the U.S. However I just cannot imagine how difficult it must be. Hopefully they can manage to pull it off. I will be keeping my eyes on this one.

Accio Missiles! The Future Arsenal

The types of weapons being considered are reported to be missiles munitions and drones – those cost effective means to help improve Taiwan's chances of rebuffing any military action by China's much larger forces. Very Harry Potter esque if you ask me. For years China has been steadily ramping up its military pressure and the U.S. has maintained diplomatic relations with Beijing not Taipei. It sounds like the Taiwanese are in need of a Patronus Charm to ward off this looming darkness!