Pentagon pushes Japan and Australia for clarity on Taiwan defense roles amid China tensions

AI Summary

The Pentagon is reportedly pressing Japan and Australia to define their roles in a potential US-China conflict over Taiwan, according to the Financial Times. Former US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, led these discussions, surprising both countries as the US doesn't guarantee Taiwan's defense. The US remains Taiwan's primary arms supplier despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, while China continues military pressure to assert sovereignty claims, which Taiwan rejects.