In a bold move underscoring the shifting priorities of U.S. defence policy, the Pentagon has formally requested that Japan and Australia clarify their roles in the event of a military conflict over Taiwan. Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby emphasised the need for “peace through strength,” urging allies to increase defence spending and commit to collective deterrence.
This request, reportedly catching Tokyo and Canberra off guard, signals a recalibration of U.S. expectations in the Indo-Pacific. While the U.S. remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier, it does not offer a formal defense guarantee—raising questions about the credibility of deterrence and alliance cohesion.
The move aligns with the administration’s “America First” doctrine, which prioritizes strategic competition with China over legacy commitments in Europe and the Middle East. Critics argue this could strain diplomatic ties, but proponents see it as a necessary step to restore clarity and resolve in U.S. foreign policy.
The timing—amid escalating Chinese military drills near Taiwan—suggests Washington is preparing for contingencies that could redefine East Asia’s power balance. The message is clear: allies must step up or risk strategic irrelevance.
