Taiwan should pay the US for its defense because it does not benefit the United States, the US presidential candidate said from the Republican Party Donald Trump, BTA reported.
"I know people very well, I respect them a lot. They took about 100% of our chip business. I think Taiwan should pay for our defense," Trump said in an interview with "Bloomberg Businessweek." on June 25, but posted yesterday. "You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan is not giving us anything," Trump added.
TSMC is the dominant maker of advanced chips used in everything from artificial intelligence applications to smartphones and fighter jets, and analysts believe any conflict over Taiwan would destroy the global economy, Reuters noted.
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The US is Taiwan's largest foreign supporter and arms supplier, but there is no formal defense agreement. However, the US is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with means of self-defense.
Taiwan, which China views as its territory, has complained of constant Chinese military activities over the past four years as Beijing tries to pressure the democratically-ruled island, which rejects China's claims to sovereignty.