Trump Refutes Claims of Musk’s Military Briefing Amid Taiwan Tensions

Donald Trump denied that he provided Elon Musk access to sensitive U.S. military plans regarding China. Concerns arise over Musk’s financial ties to China amid escalating tensions with Taiwan, where defense officials cite a potential 2027 invasion from China. President Lai Ching-te aims to bolster Taiwan’s defense budget and military capabilities, despite political opposition and rising enlistment issues.

Former President Donald Trump has refuted claims that he provided Elon Musk with access to sensitive U.S. military strategies regarding potential conflicts with China. Reports indicated that Mr. Musk was set to receive a briefing at the Pentagon, raising concerns about his connection to military operations given his companies’ financial ties to China.

Following a New York Times article, Mr. Trump labeled the story as “fake news,” emphasizing that China would not be discussed during Mr. Musk’s visit. Mr. Musk also dismissed the report as “pure propaganda” and threatened action against those disseminating inaccurate information.

The Pentagon confirmed Mr. Musk’s invitation from Secretary Hegseth, stating, “The defense department is excited to welcome Elon Musk to the Pentagon on Friday.” This visit comes as tensions rises over fears of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, with Taiwanese defense officials citing 2027 as a possible timeline.

Concerns regarding China’s military capabilities have escalated, with U.S. officials asserting that Beijing’s military preparation points towards an earlier than expected readiness for an invasion. Taiwan’s defense minister acknowledged planning for the first time a specific year for military drills, although he attempted to downplay its implications.

Despite opposition within Taiwan’s parliament regarding military spending, President Lai Ching-te has committed to increasing the defense budget to over 3% of the GDP, aiming for a military overhaul. This increase is intended to reassure the U.S. of Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.

In previous statements, Mr. Trump has suggested Taiwan’s defense budget should be significantly higher, highlighting a disparity between Taiwan’s current expenditure and that of the U.S. Mr. Musk’s past statements regarding Taiwan have drawn criticism, particularly his suggestion of a special administrative zone.

In response to recent manpower shortages, President Lai announced salary increases for servicemen and additional incentives for volunteer enlistees. However, there has been a concerning trend, with a significant rise in soldiers opting out of military contracts early, indicating potential challenges ahead for Taiwan’s defense.

In conclusion, Donald Trump has denied allegations regarding Elon Musk’s access to military plans concerning China, labeling the reports as inaccurate. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about Taiwan’s defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China, with President Lai Ching-te advocating for a budget increase to strengthen military readiness. Challenges such as rising volunteer enlistment opt-out rates and conflicting military spending perspectives remain critical issues as Taiwan navigates its defense strategies.

Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk