US calls on Japan and Australia to clarify their role in case of China-Taiwan war

(Patria) - Washington has called on Japan and Australia to clarify what role they would play in the event of a war between China and Taiwan, the Financial Times (FT) reported yesterday, citing informed sources.

Elbridge Colby, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, insisted on this issue during recent talks with officials from both countries.

According to the FT, this request surprised both Tokyo and Canberra, as the US itself does not offer a guarantee for Taiwan's defense.

Colby says the US Department of Defense is focused on implementing the "America First" agenda of achieving peace through strength, which "includes calling on allies to increase defense spending and other efforts related to our collective defense".

The US is Taiwan's most important arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the island faces increased military pressure from Chinese authorities, the FT states.