BEIJING - China implied on Oct 30 that if US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump won the Nov 5 election, he could “discard” Taiwan, saying the US has always pursued an “America First” policy.

       Trump, neck and neck in the polls with Vice-President Kamala Harris, has made several comments on the campaign trail that Chinese-claimed Taiwan should pay to be protected, and accused the island of stealing American semiconductor business.

       Asked about Trump’s remarks earlier in October that he would impose additional, massive tariffs on China if it were to “go into Taiwan”, as well as remarks on Taiwan having to pay for protection, a spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan’s people have a clear understanding of US policy.

       “Whether the United States is trying to protect or harm Taiwan, I believe most of our Taiwan compatriots have already made a rational judgment and know very clearly that what the United States pursues is always America First,” Ms Zhu Fenglian told a regular news briefing.

       She was referring to Trump’s favoured slogan about prioritising US interests.

       Taiwan’s people know that “Taiwan at any time may turn from a pawn to a discarded child”, she added, without directly using Trump’s name.

       Ms Zhu’s wording refers to a tactic in the game Go, in which a player sacrifices a smaller piece to secure a greater advantage or victory.

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       The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei.

       Trump, in a weekend interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, repeated his claims about Taiwan “stealing” US chip business and needing to pay to be protected.

       Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei told reporters in Taipei on Oct 30 that he would not be commenting, given the US election campaign was ongoing.

       “I wish the United States well for a successful democratic election,” he added.

       Taiwan received strong backing from Trump’s 2017 to 2021 administration, including arms sales, which have continued under the government of US President Joe Biden.

       The US government last week announced a new arms package for Taiwan worth almost US$2 billion (S$2.7 billion) for missile systems, which, like all weapons sales to Taipei, angered Beijing.

       “I sternly warn the Lai Ching-te administration that buying weapons won’t buy security,” Ms Zhu said, referring to Taiwan’s President, whom China detests as a “separatist”.

       Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide their future. REUTERS