Politico: The former president of Taiwan urged the U.S. to prioritize support for Ukraine over Taiwan.

Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine during the Halifax International Security Forum, urging Washington to prioritize assistance to Kyiv despite the escalating threat of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Source. This was reported by Politico.

“They must do everything possible to help the Ukrainians,” Tsai stated. “We [Taiwan] still have time.”

Tsai's comments followed remarks by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Chief Admiral Samuel Paparo, who acknowledged that aid to Ukraine has complicated American military preparations for a potential conflict in Asia.

Paparo highlighted the depletion of critical weapon stockpiles, including Patriot air defense systems and air-to-air missiles.

During her speech in Halifax, Tsai asserted that Ukraine's success against Russian aggression would serve as a global deterrent factor.

“Ukraine’s victory will be the most effective deterrent against future aggression,” she said.

In the past eight years, Taiwan has increased its defense spending by 80%, reaching $19 billion in 2024.

However, Tsai dismissed calls from elected U.S. President Donald Trump for Taiwan to raise its defense budget to 10% of GDP.

“It would be difficult for us to reach that figure,” she remarked.

Tsai remained cautious about Taiwan’s defense strategy during Trump's presidency, refraining from commenting on potential major arms purchases planned for early 2025.