Donald Trump says US should not "travel 9,500 miles" to fight a war over Taiwan

Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises, which began Wednesday and run through next Friday, now emphasize American-style training, urban preparedness, and a reported call-up of about 20,000 reservists. The maneuvers are meant to maintain round-the-clock defense and counter Chinese coercion that falls short of open conflict. They unfold as President Lai Ching-te’s proposed defense budget was reduced by lawmakers and as President Donald Trump has not approved a $14 billion US arms sale to Taiwan. After a May meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said he did not want the US drawn into an overseas conflict over Taiwan, raising concerns about American support. Analysts view the US influence in Taiwan’s drills as evidence that military-to-military ties remain strong despite such worries.