Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the Pentagon, accusing military leaders of incompetence in handling China's recent military exercises near Taiwan. In a fiery statement, Trump claimed that current US officials were "stupid" and "weak" in their response to Beijing's provocations.
The Republican frontrunner for the 2024 election vowed to adopt a much tougher approach towards China if he returns to the White House. "These people don't have a clue," Trump said, referring to Pentagon officials. "China is laughing at us."
Trump's China Policy Criticisms
Trump's comments come as tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan. The former president suggested that under his administration, China wouldn't dare conduct such aggressive military drills near the self-governing island.
"When I was president, they respected us," Trump asserted. "Now they're testing us every day because they know they can get away with it."
Gavin Newsom's Controversial China Visit
The remarks coincided with California Governor Gavin Newsom's high-profile visit to China, where he discussed climate cooperation with Chinese officials. Trump seized on the trip as evidence of Democratic weakness towards Beijing.
"Newsom is over there begging them for favours while they're threatening Taiwan," Trump said. "It's pathetic."
Political analysts suggest Trump's comments reflect his campaign strategy to position himself as the strongest candidate on China policy ahead of the 2024 election.
