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Trump likely to strengthen military ties with Taiwan to neutralise Beijing’s regional influence, think tank warns

Beijing’s National Academy of Development and Strategy warns China must be prepared for ‘unprecedented challenges’ from US president-elect

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US president-elect Donald Trump is likely to continue selling arms to Taiwan, led by Tsai Ing-wen, “to make money and create problems for China”, says Beijing’s National Academy of Development and Strategy think tank. Photo: AFP

The administration of US President-elect Donald Trump is likely to strengthen military ties with Taiwan and will use the self-ruled island to counterbalance Beijing’s influence in the region, a mainland think tank warned.

In a report published by the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Beijing’s Renmin University of China, Yang Qijing said Trump might also boost US security engagement with other Asian nations.

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The National Academy of Development and Strategy, which was created in 2013, provides analysis to Chinese state leaders for “internal reference”, according to its website.

Trump may not be necessarily like [Taiwan President] Tsai Ing-wen, but he would definitely not give up the important chance to constrain China
Yang Qijing, author of think tank report

Yang, a professor at the university’s school of economics, said in the report dated late November that Trump would ignore opposition from Beijing and insist on his plan to sell weapons to Taiwan.

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“Trump may not be necessarily like [Taiwan President] Tsai Ing-wen, but he would definitely not give up the important chance to constrain China,” Yang said.

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