TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Elbridge Colby, nominated for U.S. under secretary of defense for policy, urged Taiwan to increase its military spending to nearly 10% of GDP during a U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing on Tuesday (March 4) in Washington D.C. He emphasized this measure could prevent unnecessary conflicts with Beijing.
Colby expressed deep concern over Taiwan's legislature reducing military spending. He noted that the U.S. commitment to Taiwan has been solidified by the Department of Defense designating Taiwan as a "pacing scenario." Colby, responding to Republican leader Roger Wicker's concerns about his stance on Taiwan's defense, stated that his position on Taiwan's value has been consistent. He added that the U.S. commitment to Taiwan is "implicit, indirect, or based on customary practice."
Colby pointed out that Taiwan's defense spending remains well below 3% of GDP, adding that he agrees with President Donald Trump's view that Taiwan's defense budget should approach 10% of GDP. He stressed the importance of preventing China from achieving regional hegemony, arguing that it is unfair for Americans to take risks while allies shirk responsibilities.
Colby previously served as deputy assistant secretary of defense during the "Trump 1.0" administration, and his grandfather, William Colby, led the CIA under Presidents Nixon and Ford. Colby has consistently focused on Taiwan's military spending, highlighting a lack of urgency in enhancing defense. While he acknowledged progress in Taiwan's asymmetric warfare strategy, he criticized the island's inadequate defense spending and readiness.