Ramaswamy says commitments to Taiwan 'will change' when US achieves semiconductor independence

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says the U.S. military commitments to protecting Taiwan against a Chinese military invasion will change once America achieves semiconductor independence.

"I’m being very clear: Xi Jinping should not mess with Taiwan until we have achieved semiconductor independence, until the end of my first term when I will lead us there," Ramaswamy said Monday during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, according to The Washington Examiner. "And after that, our commitments to Taiwan, our commitments to be willing to go to military conflict, will change after that, because that’s rationally in our self-interest."

Ramaswamy ended the interview 15 minutes earlier than planned after Hewitt pressed him about whether he would draw a “red line” to protect Taiwan short term.

"I’m not committing to that," Ramaswamy said. "What I’m saying is that we will deter until we have achieved semiconductor independence."

He reiterated his remarks during a town hall Monday on Newsmax.

"Until we have achieved semiconductor independence, we will ensure that Taiwan is not invaded by China. We will do whatever is necessary to deter China from invading Taiwan," he said.

After achieving semiconductor independence, Ramaswamy says he is "not going to send our sons and daughters to die to fight somebody else’s civil war, but until then, that is a vital national security interest."

Ramaswamy's comments come as tensions are rising in the region of Taiwan. Beijing views the self-governing island as a rogue province that it will be reunited with by force if necessary.

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on Twitter or Instagram.