TAIPEI, Taiwan — The United States will not abandon its Pacific allies and the incoming Trump administration should reaffirm its commitment to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself, former Vice President Mike Pence said in Taipei on Friday.

The first Trump administration, under which Pence served, provided strong support for Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing, including by regularizing arms sales.

But Trump, who took office for a second term on Monday, has unnerved Taiwan on the campaign trail by calling on the democratically governed island to pay for its defense and accusing the island of stealing U.S. semiconductor business.

Pence, visiting Taiwan for the first time, said he prayed for a peaceful future for the region.

"I believe the United States will never abandon our allies in the Pacific, and I call on the new administration in Washington and freedom-loving nations around the world to urgently reaffirm our commitment to provide Taiwan with the support it needs to defend itself and its freedoms," he said .

Pence added that in addition to military support, the Trump administration should begin negotiations for a free trade agreement with Taiwan, a deal the Taipei government has long sought.

Pence, who arrived in Taiwan after visiting Hong Kong, said there was broad bipartisan consensus in Washington that China was the greatest strategic and economic threat facing the United States and its allies this century.

"While America's view of China has changed a lot in recent years, I can assure you that one thing has not changed, and that is the deep respect and support the American people have for the people of Taiwan."

The relationship between Republicans Trump and Pence has been tense since the end of Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. During this period, Pence served Trump loyally but refused Trump's request to overturn his 2020 election defeat before Trump on January 6, 2021. Supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Taiwan has no formal relations with the United States, which like most countries only has diplomatic relations with China, but Washington is legally obliged to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

China has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan and refused to speak to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, calling him a "separatist".

Lai has offered talks with Beijing but rejected its sovereignty claims, saying only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.