U.S. presses Japan and Australia on Taiwan defense scenario

The Pentagon is seeking clarification from Japan and Australia regarding their potential roles in the event of a US-China conflict over Taiwan, according to a Financial Times report on Saturday, 13 July.

U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has been handling the matter during recent meetings with defense officials from both countries, the report said.

In a post on X, Colby emphasized that the Department of Defense is focused on implementing the president’s "America First" policy and achieving peace through strength, which “includes by urging allies to step up their defense spending and other efforts related to our collective defense.”

Colby previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development during former President Donald Trump’s first term. He is known for advocating that the U.S. military should prioritize competition with China and shift its strategic focus away from the Middle East and Europe.

Although the United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it remains the island’s key arms provider. Taiwan has faced increasing military pressure from China in recent years, with Beijing conducting multiple drills to reinforce its sovereignty claims—claims that Taiwan firmly rejects.

“We do not seek war. Nor do we seek to dominate China itself,” Colby said. “What we are doing is ensuring the United States and its allies have the military strength to underwrite diplomacy and guarantee peace.”

The ongoing talks also include encouraging allies to increase defense spending amid growing concerns over China's threat to Taiwan.