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Taiwan "should pay" the United States for defense, US presidential candidate Donald Trump said in an interview that has cast doubt on bilateral relationship should he be re-elected in November.

Asked if he would defend Taiwan from China, he said "I know the people very well, respect them greatly. They did take about 100 percent of our chip business. I think Taiwan should pay us for defense," he said.

"You know, we're no different than an insurance company. Taiwan doesn't give us anything."

Trump said Washington was "giving them billions of dollars to build new chip plants in our country."

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai pointed out Taipei had steadily boosted its defense budget in recent years.

"We are willing to take on more responsibility; we are defending ourselves and ensuring our security," he said.

"We are also clear that Taiwan-US ties have been very strong in recent years. Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and region is our common responsibility and goal."

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party said Trump's comments were nothing more than hoping that Taiwan

would show the same determination to protect its own security as Japan, South Korea and the European Union.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Taiwan put on the defensive