China suggested on Wednesday that a victory for U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming Nov. 5 election could lead to a disregard for Taiwan, emphasizing that the United States has consistently followed an “America First” approach.

Trump, currently in a tight race with Vice President Kamala Harris according to polls, has made statements during his campaign indicating that Taiwan, which China claims, should bear the costs of its own defense and has accused the island of appropriating American semiconductor business.

In response to Trump’s recent comments about imposing significant tariffs on China if it were to “intervene in Taiwan,” as well as his assertion that Taiwan should finance its own protection, a spokesperson from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office remarked that the people of Taiwan are well aware of U.S. intentions.

“Regardless of whether the United States aims to support or undermine Taiwan, I believe that the majority of our compatriots in Taiwan have already made a rational assessment and understand that the U.S. policy is fundamentally ‘America First’,” Zhu Fenglian stated during a regular press briefing.

She was alluding to Trump’s preferred slogan that emphasizes prioritizing American interests. Zhu remarked that the people of Taiwan understand that “Taiwan could easily shift from being a pawn to a neglected child,” without directly mentioning Trump. Zhu’s expression draws on a strategy from the game of Go, where a player may sacrifice a lesser piece to gain a significant advantage or achieve victory.

The United States is legally obligated to equip Taiwan with the resources necessary for self-defense, despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Washington and Taipei.

In a recent interview on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Trump reiterated his assertions that Taiwan is “stealing” U.S. chip business and suggested that it should pay for protection. On Wednesday, Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei informed reporters in Taipei that he would refrain from commenting due to the ongoing U.S. election campaign. “I wish the United States well for a successful democratic election,” he stated. Taiwan received substantial support from Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2021, including arms sales, which have persisted under President Joe Biden’s administration.

The United States revealed a new arms package for Taiwan on Friday, valued at nearly $2 billion, primarily for missile systems. This move has provoked strong disapproval from Beijing, which opposes all arms sales to Taipei.

Zhu issued a firm warning to the administration of Lai Ching-te, stating that purchasing weapons will not guarantee security, referring to Taiwan’s president, whom China labels a “separatist.” Taiwan’s democratically elected government firmly contests Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, asserting that only the people of the island have the authority to determine their future.