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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Vishwam Sankaran

Taiwan’s omission from Trump’s new defence strategy raises alarm as China conducts sorties near island

Taiwanese missile boats take part in spring military drills at the Tsoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung on 29 January 2026 - (AFP via Getty Images)

The absence of any mention of Taiwan in Washington’s new defence strategy document has raised concerns in Taipei, at a time when Beijing continues to threaten the island with naval and air force sorties.

The 2026 National Defense Strategy has been described by analysts as a dramatic reordering of the Trump administration’s defence priorities, and where it sees its limitations.

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