TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan must show the new US president it is determined to defend itself, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said on Tuesday (Nov. 5).

Koo told reporters: "No matter who is elected, we have to let them understand that Taiwan has the determination to defend itself, and the importance of Taiwan's economic security and strategic geopolitical position.” 

Koo’s comments were made outside the legislature as voting in the US was still underway, per Reuters. 

Reporters asked Koo if he felt nervous a new Trump presidency would abandon Taiwan. Koo replied, "We take the attitude of maintaining regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait to let the world see Taiwan's value, whether in terms of economic security or Taiwan's strategic geopolitical position, so that the world can see the important value of Taiwan.” 

Koo said the government’s goal was to continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities. It has also prioritized developing its own weapons systems, such as missiles and submarines.

Despite no formal diplomatic ties, the US is Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier, the report said. Republican Donald Trump had criticized Taiwan on the campaign trail and said Taiwan should pay the US for protection.