US demands clarity from allies on their role in potential war over Taiwan, FT reports

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Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China.

PHOTO: AFP

The Pentagon is urging Japan and Australia to clarify what role they would play if the US and China went to war over Taiwan, the Financial Times reported on July 12.

Mr Elbridge Colby, the US under-secretary of defence for policy, has been pushing the matter during recent talks with defence officials of both countries, the report said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

According to the newspaper, the reported request caught both Tokyo and Canberra off guard, as the US itself does not offer a blank cheque guarantee to defend Taiwan.

Reuters could not verify the report.

The US Department of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US is Taiwans most important arms supplier, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, including

several rounds of war games

Mr Colby was deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development during President Donald Trumps first term, and is known for arguing that the US military should prioritise competition with China and shift its focus from the Middle East and Europe. REUTERS