Taiwan Defense Minister: U.S. Can't Afford to Abandon Indo-Pacific

As I sit down to write this, the news of Taiwan's defense minister, Wellington Koo, stating that it's "impossible" for the U.S. to give up on the Indo-Pacific region is still fresh in my mind. This isn't just a political statement; it's a call to action, a wake-up call for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to the region's security and prosperity. Let's dive into why this is so crucial and what's at stake if the U.S. were to scale back its involvement.

First, let's address the elephant in the room: China. The U.S.'s presence in the Indo-Pacific region is a counterbalance to China's growing influence and assertiveness. A scaled-back U.S. presence would embolden China to further its aggressive policies, not just in the South China Sea but also around Taiwan. We've already seen China's live-fire drills and incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), which have raised concerns about a potential military conflict (Taipei Times, 2025).

Now, let's talk economics. The Indo-Pacific region is a vital economic partner for the U.S. In 2022, trade between the U.S. and the Indo-Pacific region reached over $2 trillion, and the U.S. benefited from $956 billion in foreign direct investment from the region (US Department of State, 2024). A reduced U.S. presence could lead to disruptions in these economic interactions, negatively impacting U.S. economic growth and job creation.

Moreover, the U.S.'s leadership in initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) promotes open, resilient, and secure technologies. A scaled-back U.S. presence could hinder the progress of such frameworks, impacting regional economic growth and U.S. influence.

But it's not just about China and economics. The U.S.'s involvement in the region helps maintain stability and balance of power. A reduced U.S. presence could lead to a power vacuum, allowing China to assert its influence more aggressively, as seen in its actions around other islands in the region (AFP, 2025). This could result in increased regional tensions and potential conflicts.

Now, you might be thinking, "What does this have to do with Taiwan?" Well, Taiwan is a critical piece of the puzzle. A stable and secure Taiwan is essential for the U.S.'s broader strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan's defense minister, Wellington Koo, has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defense to deter external threats, particularly from China (Taipei Times, 2025). A scaled-back U.S. presence could undermine Taiwan's security and embolden China to take more aggressive actions.

In conclusion, the U.S. cannot afford to give up on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in relation to Taiwan. A scaled-back U.S. presence would have significant economic and security implications, not just for the U.S. but for the entire region. It's time for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to the region's security and prosperity, and to work with its allies and partners to maintain a stable and balanced power dynamic. The future of the Indo-Pacific region depends on it.