Trump Unveils America-First Security Strategy Focusing on Taiwan Deterrence

President Donald Trump released a 29-page National Security Strategy on December 4, 2025, implementing an "America-first" policy. The strategy designates the Western Hemisphere as the highest priority theater and shifts away from the goal of permanent global domination. While it casts China as a potential economic partner, the document emphasizes maintaining a military overmatch to deter conflict over Taiwan and rejects unilateral changes to the status quo.

The Government of China responded on December 8 by pledging to defend its sovereignty and warning against external interference. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun characterized Taiwan as a "red line" in bilateral relations and urged the U.S. to stop supporting independence movements. This diplomatic tension follows Beijing's deployment of naval and coast guard vessels across East Asian waters.

In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te welcomed the U.S. strategy. Defense Minister Wellington Koo highlighted the necessity of collective deterrence, while Taiwan announced plans to increase defense spending to 5% of its GDP by 2030, including $40 billion in additional funding for 2026-2033.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Congress released a draft National Defense Authorization Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated the bill ensures military forces remain lethal to deter adversaries. The legislation provides up to $1 billion for security cooperation with Taiwan, mandates the implementation of uncrewed systems capabilities by March 1, 2026, and authorizes joint maritime operations between the U.S. and Taiwan Coast Guards through 2030.