The Pentagon has been urging Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in the event of a potential conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan, according to multiple reports citing the Financial Times. This request reflects growing U.S. efforts to strengthen deterrence against China amid escalating tensions over Taiwan. The U.S. Department of Defense is pressing these key allies to specify their commitments and military responsibilities should a war break out. The move has generated some dissatisfaction in Japan and Australia, where public pledges to defend Taiwan are considered unlikely. Analysts suggest that this push signals a possible shift away from the U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan's defense. The issue also tests the unity and strategic purpose of the Quad group, which includes the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India. While Australia has expressed support for confronting China across multiple contested domains, concerns remain that U.S. trade policies may undermine Washington's credibility in countering Beijing. The Trump administration has not publicly detailed its own stance on a Taiwan conflict but has been pressuring allies to increase their military expenditures in response to China's growing threats.