US Confirms 'China Hawk' Colby as Defense Policy Chief, Signaling Strong Support for Taiwan

The appointment underscores American commitment to Taiwan's defense in the face of escalating cross-strait tensions.

Taipei, April 9 - The U.S. Senate has confirmed Elbridge Colby as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, a move that signals a firm stance on Taiwan's defense and the increasing strategic importance of the region. This appointment comes amidst growing concerns over potential cross-strait tensions.

Colby, known for his hawkish views on China, previously stated that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would pose a "plausibly and gravely" threat to the United States. His confirmation was secured with a 54-45 vote, highlighting bipartisan support for his nomination, with former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell being the only majority party lawmaker to vote against it.

During a hearing last month before the Armed Services Committee, Colby emphasized the critical importance of Taiwan, stating that "Taiwan's fall would be a disaster for American interests" if the People's Republic of China were to invade the island.

Before this role, Colby served as the former Deputy Assistant of Defense for Strategy and Force Development during the Trump administration. He has previously expressed concerns that Taiwan's defense spending is inadequate to meet the challenge posed by China.

"I think actually as a proportion of GDP, it's well below three percent," Colby said on March 4, adding that "I agree with President Trump that they should be more like 10 percent or at least something in that ballpark really focused on their defense."

In response to Colby's comments, Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government did not have the capacity to spend 10 percent of the country's GDP annually on national defense.