Taiwan must demonstrate its resolve to defend itself regardless of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election on November 5, stated Defence Minister Wellington Koo on Tuesday as the election campaign neared its conclusion.

Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is in a tight race with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, has made remarks during his campaign suggesting that Taiwan should contribute financially for its protection and has accused the island of appropriating American semiconductor business.

Taiwan, which operates as a democracy but is regarded by China as part of its territory, has experienced ongoing military pressure from Beijing over the last five years, including four significant rounds of military exercises in the past two years.

Koo emphasized to reporters outside parliament that it is crucial for the next U.S. president to recognize Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense and the significance of Taiwan’s economic security and strategic geopolitical role.

He reiterated the government’s strategy to continually enhance its self-defense capabilities.

“We aim to uphold regional peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, showcasing Taiwan’s value in terms of economic security and its strategic geopolitical importance, so that the global community can appreciate Taiwan’s critical role,” Koo remarked when asked if he was concerned that a new Trump administration might neglect the island.

An internal security memo from Taiwan, reviewed by Reuters, indicates that China has recently intensified its propaganda efforts, aiming to incite concerns that the island could become a “sacrificial piece” due to potential shifts in U.S. support following the upcoming election.

The memo emphasized that, irrespective of the election results, there is a growing consensus on the importance of supporting Taiwan.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, which suggested last week that a Trump presidency could lead to Taiwan being “discarded,” has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Although the United States remains Taiwan’s primary international ally and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Taiwan has prioritized the development of its own defense capabilities, including missiles and submarines.

Unlike Japan and South Korea, Taiwan does not have a formal defense agreement with the United States, as Washington ended its previous treaty with Taipei in 1979 when it shifted diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

Nonetheless, some Taiwanese military personnel, including F-16 fighter pilots, receive training in the United States, and the Taiwanese government has acknowledged the presence of a small number of U.S. forces on the island for training purposes.

As the U.S. election nears, Taiwan has observed an increase in Chinese military activities, including long-range air force drills conducted by China in the Pacific, which have passed through airspace to the south of the island. Taiwan enjoyed significant support from the Trump administration between 2017 and 2021, including arms sales, which have continued under President Joe Biden’s administration.