US demands to know what allies would do in event of war over Taiwan

The Pentagon is requesting Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in a potential U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan, according to the Financial Times. Elbridge Colby, U.S. under-secretary of defense, raised the issue in talks with defense officials from both nations. This request surprised Tokyo and Canberra, as the U.S. does not guarantee Taiwan's defense. Colby emphasized the need for allies to increase defense spending as part of the "America First" agenda. Meanwhile, Taiwan is under heightened military pressure from China, which asserts sovereignty over the island, a claim Taiwan rejects.