As Trump returns to the White House, Taiwan's government is taking a cautious approach amid rising tensions with China.
Taiwan Anticipates Tense Relations Under Trump's New Term
Taiwan Anticipates Tense Relations Under Trump's New Term
Taipei braces for a more complicated relationship with the US as Trump emphasizes defense spending from Taiwan.
Following Donald Trump's re-election, Taiwan’s political landscape is shifting, revealing concerns about future relations with the United States. No longer signaling enthusiasm for direct contact, Taiwan’s current leadership is strategically avoiding a congratulatory phone call to the president-elect—an approach markedly different from 2016, when President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Trump right after his win.
This hesitancy reflects Taiwan’s apprehension about Trump’s previously expressed views. During his campaign, Trump criticized Taiwan for what he sees as insufficient financial contributions to its own defense as well as their competitive stance in the semiconductor industry. Former senior advisor Chen Ming-chi notes that the current anxiety in Taiwan signals a more grounded viewpoint, stating, “By declaring that we are not going to seek a congratulatory phone call, that means we are more realistic.”
China’s response to Taiwan’s international interactions remains a critical factor. Frequent military exercises by Beijing contribute to fears of an inadvertent clash across the Taiwan Strait. A direct conversation between Trump and Taiwan’s leadership could provoke a stern reaction from China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
As the geopolitical chess pieces shift, the Taiwanese government is preparing for a future that may involve navigating a more assertive and financially demanding relationship with Washington, balancing their sovereignty concerns with the realities of regional security.
This hesitancy reflects Taiwan’s apprehension about Trump’s previously expressed views. During his campaign, Trump criticized Taiwan for what he sees as insufficient financial contributions to its own defense as well as their competitive stance in the semiconductor industry. Former senior advisor Chen Ming-chi notes that the current anxiety in Taiwan signals a more grounded viewpoint, stating, “By declaring that we are not going to seek a congratulatory phone call, that means we are more realistic.”
China’s response to Taiwan’s international interactions remains a critical factor. Frequent military exercises by Beijing contribute to fears of an inadvertent clash across the Taiwan Strait. A direct conversation between Trump and Taiwan’s leadership could provoke a stern reaction from China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
As the geopolitical chess pieces shift, the Taiwanese government is preparing for a future that may involve navigating a more assertive and financially demanding relationship with Washington, balancing their sovereignty concerns with the realities of regional security.
