TAIPEI — A former US ambassador appointed by Donald Trump said on Saturday (May 4) he believed the former president would again support Taiwan if he wins back the White House.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory despite Taipei's objections, received strong backing from Trump's 2017-2021 administration, including arms sales, which have continued under the government of President Joe Biden.

Trump spoke to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 shortly after he won the election, prompting anger in Beijing — as the United States does not officially recognise Taiwan's government — and glee in Taipei.

James Gilmore, Trump's ambassador to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, told reporters in Taipei that Trump was not an isolationist but was trying to get US allies to take their own defence more seriously.

"I believe that President Trump will be supportive of Taiwan when he becomes president. He was in his first term," said Gilmore, visiting Taipei to speak at the Taiwanese think tank the Centre for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation.

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