Beijing, Oct 30 (EFE).- China implied on Wednesday that if Donald Trump wins the November US presidential election, his policies may sideline Taiwan, leaving the island “an abandoned child” rather than a strategic “pawn.”

Trump has been openly critical of Taiwan, accusing the island of “stealing” the US semiconductor industry and asserting that Taiwan should pay to the US for its defense.

The Republican candidate also stated that, if elected, he would impose tariffs of up to 200 percent on China if Beijing uses force against Taiwan.

“I believe most of our Taiwan compatriots have made a rational judgement and know very clearly what the United States always pursues is its ‘America First’ policy,” spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Zhu Fenglian told reporters.

While Zhu did not mention Trump or his comments specifically, she said that “Taiwan may, at any time, turn from a pawn to an abandoned child.”

Former US President and Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump gestures during a campaign rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA, October 29, 2024. EFE-EPA/DAVID MUSE

The incumbent US government led by President Joe Biden recently announced a new $2 billion arms deal with Taiwan, a move that has incensed China.

Taiwan, self-governed since 1949 but claimed by China as a rebellious province, has a thriving economy reliant on technology exports, particularly semiconductors.

The United States, a major buyer of Taiwanese chips and Taiwan’s largest weapons supplier, has also indicated it could defend Taiwan in a potential conflict with China. EFE

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