US diplomat in Taipei warns cross-strait conflict would severely damage global economy

The short version

• Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, warned that a cross-strait conflict would harm the global economy more severely than World War II.[Al Jazeera]
• The remarks come ahead of an expected bilateral summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.[Al Jazeera]
• Taiwan's government under President William Lai Ching-te has proposed a defense budget exceeding 1 trillion Taiwan dollars ($31.76bn) for next year.[Al Jazeera]
• Washington continues to serve as Taipei's primary international backer and weapons supplier despite lacking formal diplomatic recognition.[Al Jazeera]

Key facts

• Raymond Greene, top US diplomat in Taipei, warned that conflict across the Taiwan Strait would create a larger global economic impact than World War II.[Al Jazeera]
• Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the United States later in the month to meet President Donald Trump.[Al Jazeera]
• Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te's administration has budgeted next year's defense spending above 1 trillion Taiwan dollars ($31.76bn) for the first time.[Al Jazeera]
• The United States remains Taiwan's chief weapons provider and international supporter without maintaining formal diplomatic relations.[Al Jazeera]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Conflict over Taiwan would be disastrous, de facto US ambassador warnsAl Jazeera