Trump Denies Musk’s Access to US Military Plans Amid Taiwan Concerns

Donald Trump denied claims of providing Elon Musk access to US military war plans regarding China during Musk’s Pentagon visit. Amidst escalating tensions, Taiwan is preparing for potential military conflict. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te emphasized increasing defense spending and addressing recruitment challenges as part of military reforms.

Donald Trump has refuted claims that he provided Elon Musk with access to sensitive US military war plans regarding China, coinciding with Musk’s visit to the Pentagon. Reports indicated a planned briefing for Musk in the highly secure ‘Tank’ conference room, raising concerns about access to confidential national security information amid Musk’s financial interests in China.

Following these reports, Mr. Trump labeled the information as “fake news” and asserted that “China will not even be mentioned or discussed” during Musk’s Pentagon visit. Mr. Musk echoed Trump’s denial, regarding the reports as “pure propaganda” and warning against those disseminating false information.

The Pentagon confirmed Musk’s visit, stating that Secretary Hegseth had extended the invitation, emphasizing that this was merely a visit. Amid these discussions, anxiety over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan within two years has been heightened, with Taiwan’s defense ministry indicating 2027 as a target date for potential military action.

Concerns regarding China’s military expansion have been echoed by US officials, who likewise predicted an invasion readiness by 2027, citing rapid build-ups in military capabilities. While Taiwan’s defense minister downplayed the specificity of this date in public comments, it was revealed that major live-fire drills had been planned around this timeline.

The move has been perceived as potentially political, seeking to strengthen resolve amidst scrutiny over military budgets. Recently, challenges have arisen from opposition members regarding spending plans, including cuts to the submarine and drone programs. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te responded firmly, asserting the government’s commitment to boosting defense spending above 3% of GDP, as part of military reform measures.

While Trump has previously suggested Taiwan should allocate as much as 10% of its GDP to defense, currently, Taiwan’s expenditure stands at about 2.45%. For context, the US’s spending is approximately 3.4%, while China allocates less than 2% of its GDP to defense. Mr. Musk has faced backlash from Taiwan for his comments on the region’s security, previously suggesting a comparison between Taiwan and Hawaii and proposing Beijing’s governance over the island in discussions with media outlets.

To tackle manpower issues, President Lai announced increases in the defense budget to procure advanced weapons, alongside enhanced compensation for servicemen. This includes a monthly bonus starting in April for volunteer enlistees and combat troops. The move aims to counter a worrying trend where the number of early contract opt-outs has reportedly increased significantly from 401 in 2020 to 1,565 in 2024.

In a statement, Mr. Lai encouraged unity, declaring, “Let us protect the country together and ensure our daily life of freedom and democracy,” amidst ongoing challenges in military recruitment.

The discourse surrounding Elon Musk’s visit to the Pentagon highlights crucial concerns about national security and the implications of military collaborations amidst geopolitical tensions with China. President Trump’s dismissal of the reported access to sensitive war plans raises significant questions about accountability and transparency in military relations. As Taiwan prepares for possible threats, bolstering defense capabilities and reforming military spending appear imperative to assure stability and security in the region.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk